World War II Honoree

Atlas Devone "Don" Benton

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Parkersburg, Sampson County, North Carolina

Honored By

The Benton Family

Relationship

Niece

A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, he was a veteran C-47 transport pilot who served nearly two years overseas, logging 900 combat hours. His global service spanned the North Atlantic "Ferry Route" to the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy (Anzio). He specialized in dropping paratroopers, hauling critical supplies to the front lines, and evacuating the wounded. He too shared in the "Benton Luck," for during his many months of active duty, he did not receive a scratch. For his meritorious achievement and "untouchable" flight record, he was awarded the Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster.