HYMAN "HANK" BERGMAN

BERGMAN, HYMAN "HANK", passed away suddenly. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Hyman was a high school baseball star who earned the nickname "Hank", because fans said he reminded them of Hank Greenberg. Hank was the lead pitcher when his baseball team from P.S. #91 won the Baltimore City Baseball Championship. After graduating from City College, Hank played semi-pro softball for teams sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company. Later, he served honorably with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Hank joined the U.S. Army during World War II. As an infantry sergeant, Hank served with the famed 3rd Infantry Division, the 30th Infantry Division, and was a member of the "Blue Devils" of the 88th Infantry Division. He saw combat in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. His campaigns included Naples-Foggia, Rome- Arno, North Appennines, and Po Valley. Hank was involved in fierce combat at Anzio Beach, Belvedere, Brenner Pass, Monte Cassino, Monterumici Highway 64 sector, Po Valley, Salerno, and Volterra. On April 15, 1945, while serving with Company B, 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, Hank single-handily, under enemy machine-gun fire and a rain of German stick- grenades; armed only with a M-1 rifle, attacked and destroyed a German machine gun emplacement on Furcoli Ridge (Italy) which had pinned down his platoon. For his gallantry in action, he was awarded the Silver Star (The 3rd highest U.S. Army medal) by Major General Paul W. Kendall, commanding general of the 88th on June 13, 1945. Hank was also awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and a Bronze Star for exemplary conduct in ground combat against the armed enemy during the Naples-Foggia Campaign. His other military awards included the European- African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Battle Stars, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and The Cold War Recognition Certificate. Hank graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor's in Education, and earned a Master's and Specialist Degree from Nova Southeastern University. He was a Miami-Dade County School teacher for 30 years at Central Beach and Leroy D. Feinberg Elementary Schools where he taught 6th grade. Hank was also a 30-year member of the Miami Beach Chess Club and on May 11, 1968 in an exhibition match, he defeated American Chess Champion Anthony Santasiere. Santasiere held a victory over world champion Bobby Fischer. Hank Bergman spent his life serving his country and his community. He will always be in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. Predeceased by his mother Fannie Bloom. Survived by his loving wife Annie, his devoted son Sherman, his nephew Harvey Steckler, his grand- nephew Josh Builder, his nieces Sharon Steckler, Emily, Cherly and Helene Sterling, many cousins and friends. Services were held at Riverside Gordon, Miami Beach, Florida (305) 531-1151. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.