Claude received the nickname of “Chuckles” from his band of WWII brothers because of his positive attitude even in the worst of situations. Chuckles was shortened to Chuck which he was called by friends and family for the rest of his life.
Little did Chuck know that responding to a WWII US Army recruiting call to “Learn to Fly” would set the course for the rest of his life. He flew combat gliders in two major campaigns in Europe in WWII, The Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and Crossing the Rhine in March 1945.
Chuck came back from WWII in July 1945. He served one more year before being discharged in July 1946. He then came to Tahlequah where he met the love of his life, Wilma Elizabeth Martin and they were married Dec. 6, 1946.
In the middle of being in college at NSU, Lt Berry was called up to serve in the Korean War. He was a Liaison pilot in South Korea in 1951- 1952. In the mid 1960s Major Berry learned to fly helicopters and volunteered for the Vietnam War where he flew 1000 missions as a Huey helicopter pilot. He was awarded The Bronze Star for meritorious service in Vietnam. Chuck retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and was a very active member of the National WWII Glider Pilots Association.
LTC Berry was a Christian who loved his Lord and was active in his Church. He loved his Country and was proud to serve at any opportunity.
Chuck and Wilma moved back to Tahlequah in 1976 to retire from Halliburton. However, that is when he began a new career with the OSBI. He and Wilma were married 68 years. Wilma went HOME to be with the Lord in May 2015. Chuck went HOME in June 2016. They are buried at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery.
Chuck’s smile and happy disposition is missed by everyone who knew him.

Tahlequah Proudly honors  C.A. "Chuck" Berry, who served as an LTC in the United States Army.