Harold T. Berc, a Chicago attorney for more than 60 years, served in the South Pacific during World War II and, as national commander of AMVETS, helped secure funding to complete the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
Mr. Berc, 97, died Sunday, Feb. 26, at The Grove at Lincoln Park senior community, said his stepson, Jamey Fadim. His health had declined after he fractured his hip, Fadim said.
Mr. Berc was born in Chicago and was a lifelong resident. He got his law degree from DePaul University in 1937. For much of the 1930s, he worked in the news business, including in the editorial department of the International News Service.
After getting his law degree he opened a practice, handling business litigation, wills and trusts, and real estate.
Shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked, he joined the Navy, serving in the reserves until 1953. During the war he served aboard the USS Washington battleship and the USS Reno, an anti-aircraft cruiser.
He received a Bronze Star for being fighter director officer aboard the USS Reno when the USS Princeton was bombed and set afire by Japanese forces in the Philippines on Oct. 24, 1944.
He also received 10 battle stars for participating in 10 major naval engagements. From Feb. 1, 1945 to the end of World War II he taught at an officers tactical radar school in Hollywood, Fla.
Mr. Berc returned to his law practice after the war and worked until he retired in 2003.
From 1959 to 1960, he was national commander of AMVETS. During that time, he met with President Dwight Eisenhower and won support for $250,000 in funding to complete the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, saying the money represented the standard $250 burial allowance for each of the 1,100 sailors killed on the ship.
In the mid-1990s, Mr. Berc played a role in securing the 8-ton anchor from the USS Chicago that is now mounted at the east end of Navy Pier.
Mr. Berc was a past president of the City Club of Chicago and was a charter member of the Chicago Press Club.
He leaves no other immediate survivors.