On March 2, 2025, Horsham’s NFW Post 9788 & Auxiliary welcomed, Private First-Class Jacob J. Ruser, 100, and Corporal Benjamin Berry, 101, to the 8th Annual “Get Lunch with a Veteran” event in which they detail their early career in the U.S. army, their experience fighting in World War two, and each of their perspectives from fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. 

The Battle of the Bulge was fought in a region between Luxembourg and Belgium, that was packed densely with forests, during the worst winter the area has ever seen as detailed by Corporal Berry. 

Corporal Berry painted the picture of just how cold it really was during that winter, as he shared that nobody could dig any new foxtrots, instead they would have to use pre-existing ones or just lay down in the snow and hope that either nobody sees you or you don’t get hit.  

Corporal Berry also stated how the Germans had a major advantage during the battle because of how they made use of the environment around them. German soldiers would paint all their tanks and vehicles used during the Battle of the Bulge white, so they could blend in with the snow that covered the battlefield.  

Corporal Berry always carried and cleaned his rifle, but he never was given ammo for it until battle. When entering the Battle of the Bulge, Berry stated how he was given ammo from Uncle Sam and was told to “get out there and show some resistance”. 

While Corporal Berry was already towards the frontline of the Battle, Private First-Class Ruser and his team would have to find their way towards the frontlines in order to relieve the 98th infantry as they were badly damaged during battle. 

It wouldn’t be easy to make it to the frontlines, as Ruser and his team were not only coming off a series of bombardments from A.A. guns and tanks throughout the past few days, but it was also a lengthy journey to make it towards the frontlines, especially given the weather conditions. 

Ruser’s team had to traverse through a 75-foot-deep ravine by going into it and climbing back out of it and then had to trek another 1,500 feet towards the battlefield while hoping to not come across any German soldiers while making their way to the frontline. Thankfully they were able to make it without any major issues.  

Both Private Ruser and Corporal Berry had quite a few similarities early on, as both were born and raised in Pennsylvania, both were drafted into the Army straight out of high school, and both had basic training in Illinois, but where they differ is where they were within the army.  

Private Ruser specialized as a medic in the army, and because of that he wasn’t allowed to carry a firearm, and he wasn’t even trained how to handle a firearm, as a medic carrying a weapon would’ve been in defiance of the Geneva conventions.  

On the other hand, Corporal Berry resided in the Combat Arms branch of the army, and although he didn’t specify which, it was heavily implied that he was a member in the infantry. 

This event, curated by John Hammerschmidt, was meant to show appreciation to all veterans and their service to this country, and to keep the history of their stories and experiences alive today by sharing it with younger generations.  

VFW Post and Auxiliary’s mission is to provide support and programs for Veterans and their family members. The Post and Auxiliary also offer community programs such as the Veterans Lunch, Blood Drives, Car shows, and various fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds to support veterans and the Post. 

 Check out their Facebook page: Horsham VFW Post 9788 & Auxiliary to be kept up to date with local veteran groups and community events.