World War II Honoree

Morris Carey (M.C.) "Red" Benton, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Parkersburg, North Carolina

Honored By

Kathy Carter Adamee

Relationship

Niece

A 1938 UNC Chapel Hill graduate, he served as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 384th Bomb Group in England. He completed 31 strategic combat missions over occupied Europe and Germany, including the D-Day bombardment of Normandy. He returned his entire 10-man crew home safely with zero injuries—a feat known as the "Benton Luck." He was awarded The Air Medal "for exceptional meritorious achievement while participating in heavy bombardment missions over enemy occupied continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this officer upon these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States." Along with this medal, are three Oak Leaf Clusters. He was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross "for extraordinary achievements while participating in numerous bombing attacks against war-making targets in Nazi Europe.