PVT Andrew G. Bjornberg

1886 – 1968

USAR

WWI

Anders Georg Björnberg was born July 31, 1886, in Småland, Sweden, to Jonas Petter and Johanna Johansdotter Björnberg.

Bjornberg arrived in New York City on the Campania on March 24, 1906, bound for Havelock, Nebraska, where his uncle lived; he was naturalized in 1913.

He married Olga Amelia Johnson on July 18, 1917, in Malmo, Nebraska; they raised 5 children.

Bjornberg entered the service shortly after his wedding, and served in a Balloonist Squadron. Rising at average altitudes 1200-1800 meters above the front lines, military balloons were primarily used for reconnaissance missions. From such steep heights, balloon observers could watch their enemies’ movements on the battlefield out of range of ground fire. There were 35 American balloon companies in France during World War I.

Bjornberg was honorably discharged as a Private on January 2, 1919.

He was a carpenter and building contractor for more than 40 years, moving his family to Illinois before 1930.

Private Andrew G. Bjornberg died August 7, 1968, in Barrington; he rests with his wife in Evergreen Cemetery.

----- 

Remember. Honor. Teach.

Courtesy of Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.