World War II Honoree

Charles R. Benefield

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENLISTED IN THE REGULAR ARMY AND ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE ON SEPTEMBER 12, 1946 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC INFANTRY TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER (345). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON DECEMBER 19, 1946 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH THE 511TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, ENGAGED IN THE OCCUPATION OF JAPAN. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON DECEMBER 22, 1947 AT FORT LAWTON, WASHINGTON. EARNED THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL (JAPAN).