World War II Honoree

Charles R. Benson

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Des Moines, Iowa

Honored By

Charles R. Benson

Relationship

Self

ELECTED DURING BASIC TRAINING IN JUNE 1941 TO ATTEND CLERICAL SCHOOL BECAUSE HE WAS COLLEGE GRADUATE. TRANSFERRED TO WASHINGTON, D.C. AND SERVED AS PRIVATE. NEXT APPOINTED TO OFFICERS CANDIDATE FOR ADJUTANT GENERAL SCHOOL. GRADUATED FROM CANDIDATE SCHOOL AS 2ND LIEUTENANT AND NEXT SERVED AT TINKER FIELD IN OKLAHOMA CITY AS PERSONAL AFFAIRS OFFICER. IN THIS POSITION, HE TRAVELED THE STATE NOTIFYING FAMILIES WHEN THEIR SERVICEMAN WAS KILLED IN ACTION AND EXPLAINING THE DEATH BENEFITS PROVIDED TO THEM. ON THE BASE, HE CONDUCTED WAR BONDS CAMPAIGNS AND RECEIVED AN ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL FOR THIS WORK. HONORABLY DISCHARGED IN 1946 BUT REMAINED IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVES.