Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

Cheese Sandwich

(9,086 posts)
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:43 PM Mar 2016

Last known American who fought fascists in 1930s Spain dies in California

Delmer Berg, the last known American survivor who fought fascists in 1930s Spain, has died in northern California. He was 100 years old...

Born in Anaheim on 20 December 1915, Berg spent part of his childhood on a farm near Manteca. Later, he lived in Modesto and was the only white member of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Berg worked on housing discrimination and other issues and was a communist most of his life, drawing inquiries from the FBI, the newspaper reported.

Berg served two stints in the US military: once in the national guard before going to Spain and again in the East Indies during the second world war.

He later worked as a landscaper and a stonemason. He and his wife, June, who preceded him in death, even built a home of stone and reused lumber.

During his retirement, Berg was an activist against nuclear weapons and US involvement in Central America, and monitored an election in Namibia.

He became the last known survivor after John Hovan of Rhode Island died in 2014, according to the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/02/delmer-berg-dies-last-living-american-fought-fascists-franco-spain
Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Socialist Progressives»Last known American who f...