Bernard J. “Berney” Berghaus was born on June 26, 1916, in Kentucky to John Henry Jr. and Catherine V. “Kate” Donahue Berghaus. He had two sisters and three brothers, including Raymond Berghaus, who served alongside him in Battery C of the 138th Field Artillery Regiment and later attained the rank of Sergeant during World War II. Prior to his military service, Berghaus worked as a mechanic’s helper.

On February 20, 1935, Berghaus enlisted in the Kentucky National Guard, joining Battery C of the 138th Field Artillery Regiment. This regiment, originally constituted on January 21, 1839, as the Louisville Legion, had a storied history, participating in conflicts such as the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I. During the Civil War, the regiment fought in significant battles including Shiloh, Murfreesborough, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. By the time of Berghaus’s service, the 138th Field Artillery was an integral part of Kentucky’s military forces.

In January 1937, the Ohio River Flood devastated Louisville and surrounding areas, submerging approximately 60% of the city and displacing around 175,000 residents. In response, the Kentucky National Guard activated units, including the 138th Field Artillery Regiment, on January 21, 1937, to assist in flood relief efforts. The regiment’s duties encompassed evacuating approximately 30,000 refugees, operating over 58,000 truck miles, transporting large quantities of supplies, and performing essential guard duties in the flood-stricken areas. The Medical Detachment of the 138th Field Artillery also played a crucial role, supervising sanitation work and operating first-aid stations at the Louisville Armory, which served as a central clearing point for refugees. 

During these relief operations, Berghaus contracted pneumonia and was admitted to Louisville City Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to the illness on February 11, 1937, at the age of 20. He was laid to rest at Saint Michael Cemetery in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Following his death, Berghaus’s mother, Catherine, sought restitution from the state for her son’s death in the line of duty. Initially, in 1948, her claim for $5,000 was denied, with the state asserting no negligence on its part. Undeterred, Catherine continued her pursuit, and in 1952, legislation was passed allowing her to sue the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She was ultimately awarded $10,000 in 1953.

Decades later, in May 2023, Berghaus’s sacrifice was formally recognized when his name was added to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial, ensuring that his service and dedication during one of the state’s most challenging times are remembered