'Red Devils' remember one of their own
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification Number: 200384123023
Story by Lance Cpl. Paul Leicht



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(August 1, 2003) -- In a private ceremony Tuesday at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, Capt. John T. Berger, 27, pilot, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, was laid to rest and remembered by close family, friends and fellow Marines.

Berger was doing what he loved-flying the F/A-18 Hornet while serving his country, when his plane went down over the Mojave Desert.

During a routine training flight over Marine Corps Base 29 Palms, Berger's single-seat F/A-18C crashed late in the evening July 23. He did not survive the mishap, which remains under investigation-a reminder that even on the home front, freedom sometimes has a high price.

Following the memorial ceremony at Rosecrans, Marines in attendance and friends unable to attend the formal event, gathered for a reception at MCAS Miramar's Officer's Club to remember Berger and pay their respects to a fallen hero who finished top in his class at The Basic School and in flight training.

"It's hard to believe that he could survive being in Iraq only to have something like this happen," said Staff Sgt. Markus Lill, 28, corrosion control supervisor, VMFA-232. "He was one of the coolest pilots and you could joke around with him. It's really sad."

On May 9, Berger came home with the rest of the Red Devils after spending three months flying 38 successful combat missions over Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his actions in Iraq, he earned the Air Medal, as well as the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

"He was an outstanding pilot and a proven combat aviator based on his performance during OIF," said Lt. Col. Michael H. Burt, commanding officer, VMFA-232.

In addition to his enduring smile and happy demeanor, Berger's fellow Marines recalled his trademark coolness and calm in the air, even while under fire.

"John's eagerness and excitement both for flying and for life was inspirational to us all," eulogized Lt. Col. Jeff S. Renier, executive officer, VMFA-232.

While with the Red Devils, Berger became a section leader within a year and was later recognized as "Top Gun" for the best in air-to-air combat, and "Top Drop" for the best in air-to-ground missions.

Friends described him as being the best in everything and someone who loved to live life to the fullest, valuing friendship above all. He also had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and four-wheeling in his truck.

Berger, a native of Sonoma and a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz., is survived by his parents of Sonoma, five brothers and sisters, and his wife who resides in their Santee home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Captain John T. Berger Memorial Fund by calling (619) 459-7705 or visiting the Web site groups.msn.com/CaptJohnBerger.




3rd MAW Marines firs a 21-gun salute in honor of Berger before presentation of the flag and conclusion of the ceremony.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Paul Leicht






Lt. Col. Jeff S. Renier, executive officer, VMFA-232, dilivers his eulogy at the funeral of Capt. John T. Berger who was laid to rest Tuesday at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary overlooking San Diego.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Paul Leicht



Sempers,

Roger