Delmer Berg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Einsley Delmer Berg
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| Born | December 15, 1915 Anaheim, Orange County, California, U.S. |
| Died | February 29, 2016 (aged 100) Columbia, California, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  Spanish Republic United States of America |
| Service/ |
Oregon National Guard International Brigades United States Army |
| Years of service | 1937–1939 (Spanish Civil War) 1942–1945 (World War II) |
| Unit | 76th Field Artillery Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Spanish Civil War
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| Other work |
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Einsley Delmer "Del" Berg (December 20, 1915 – February 28, 2016) was an American soldier and activist. He was also a union organizer, which means he helped workers get fair pay and good working conditions. Del Berg chose to volunteer and fight in the Spanish Civil War. He joined a special group called the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. He was the very last known person alive who had served in this brigade.
Delmer Berg's Early Life
Delmer Berg was born in Anaheim, California. He grew up working on a farm. He decided to join the military after seeing a sign. The sign said the government needed people to fight against fascism. Fascism is a type of government where one leader or party has total control. It often takes away people's freedoms.
Before going to Spain in 1937, Delmer trained with the Oregon National Guard. He later served in the United States Army during World War II. During this war, he was stationed on Morotai Island. While recovering from an injury in a Spanish hospital, he became a member of the Communist Party USA. He remained interested in this political group for the rest of his life.
What Delmer Berg Did
After his military service, Delmer Berg returned to work on his family farm. He had two sons. In the 1950s, he started working as a union organizer. He helped many workers improve their lives.
Delmer also became a leader in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works to make sure Black people have equal rights. During the 1950s, a time called the "Red Scare," some people were worried about communism. Because of his political beliefs, Delmer was sometimes watched by government agents. He once delivered a petition to a county sheriff. The petition asked the sheriff to resign because he was unfair to some people. Delmer also spoke at a hearing in Washington, D.C. He talked about conditions for farm workers. He represented a group called the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee.
As his friends from the war passed away, more people wanted to interview Delmer. His choice to volunteer and fight fascism in another country was seen as very brave. He was even interviewed for a TV show called History Detectives. He shared his experiences as an American volunteer in the Spanish Civil War.
Delmer Berg lived in Columbia, California. In December 2015, he turned 100 years old. He passed away on February 28, 2016, at the age of 100. About a month after he died, United States Senator John McCain wrote an article about him. Senator McCain praised Delmer and his comrades. He said they fought for what they believed in, both in Spain and when they came home.
Find Out More
In Spanish: Delmer Berg para niños
