DOB/DOD: October 25, 1920 (Norwalk, CT) – June 28, 1993 (Brookfield, CT); 72 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Swedish-born Britta Ingegerd Weber (1920-2008) on April 18, 1942, in Elizabeth, NJ
CHILDREN: One son, James L. Beers Jr. (1949-2011). One daughter, Jacqueline Beers Stratos (1946-).
LOCAL ADDRESS: 21 Chestnut Street, South Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: September 2, 1942
DISCHARGE: October 9, 1945
SERVICE NUMBER: 11094783
UNIT: 42nd Infantry Division
FAMILY: Born to Joseph (1884-1945) and Maria Korhut Beers (1879-1964). Two brothers, John (1900-1963) and Joseph W. Sr. (1906-1990). Three sisters, Margaret Beers Rosenau (1904-1970), Helen Beers Chariot Poremba (1909-1993), and Emma Beers Johnson (1917-1989),
CIRCUMSTANCES: German POW in Stalag 9B Bad Orb Hessen-Nassau, Prussia 50-09.
From The Norwalk Hour April 28, 1945
First Sergeant James L. Beers, son of Mrs. Mary Beres, reported as missing in action since January 9, is now known to be a prisoner of war of the German government according to word received this morning by his brother, Police Officer Joseph Beers of 21 Chestnut Street. The news of his whereabouts was confirmed by the International Red Cross. Sergeant Beers enlisted in the service in 1942 and has been overseas since last November. He is a member of the 42nd (Rainbow) Infantry Division and was active in athletic circles before entering the service.
From The Norwalk Hour May 8, 1945
V-E Day was a day of particular significance and joy to the parents of a Norwalk boy, information having been received that the young man, previously reported missing in action, that he has been liberated from a German prison camp. Mrs. Mary Beers of 21 Chestnut Street received a letter from her son, First Sergeant James L. Beers, in his handwriting, telling her that he had been liberated and was undergoing treatment in an American Army hospital. That Sergeant Beers was wounded is indicated in his comment, “My leg is coming along fine, and by the time I get to see you, it will be as good as new.” Sergeant Beers enlisted in 1942 and has been overseas since last November. He is a member of the 42nd “Rainbow” Infantry Division. He was active in athletics before entering the service.
From The Norwalk Hour June 23, 1993
JAMES L. BEERS SR.
Real estate broker and developer
BROOKFIELD — James L. Beers Sr., a former resident of Norwalk, died Monday at home. He was the husband of Britta Weber Beers. Born on October 25, 1920, in Norwalk, the son of the late Joseph and Mary Korhut Beres was a real estate broker and developer. A
graduate of Norwalk High School, Mr. Beers, maintained offices in Norwalk, Wilton, New Milford, and Brookfield. He was involved in various residential and commercial projects as a real estate developer. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Beers served in the European Theater as a first sergeant in the 42nd Infantry. In January 1944, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded and captured by the German army. He was held prisoner until the end of the war. During the war, Mr. Beers earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and a Prisoner of War Medal. Mr. Beers was a member of the Greater Danbury Board of Realtors, the New Milford Board of Realtors, Ridgewood Country Club, and St. Joseph’s Church. In addition to his wife, Mr. Beers is survived by a son, James L. Beers Jr. of Pompano Beach, Fla.; a daughter, Jacqueline Stratos of Springfield, Mass.; a sister, Helen Poremba of Norwalk; two granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph’s Church, 159 Whisconier Road. Military honors will be performed outside the church after the service. Interment will be private. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Tomlinson Homestead, 336 Main Street, Danbury. The family requests that contributions be made to a favorite charity.
Unknown burial location
END
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