World War II Honoree

Charles M. Betzel

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Davenport, Iowa

Honored By

Ms. Jacqueline Willis

Relationship

Cousin

POW AFTER BEING SHOT DOWN ON A RAID AGAINST LEIPZIG ON FEBRUARY 20, 1944. HE WAS BETRAYED BY A BELGIAN QUISLING ON HIS ESCAPE. THE GERMANS PUT HIM IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT FOR 21 DAYS AND THREATENED HIM FOR REFUSING TO IDENTIFY THE BELGIAN UNDERGROUND MEMBERS WHO HID HIM FOR 2 MONTHS AND 5 DAYS. HE WAS SENT TO STALAG LUFT 3 THAN MARCHED TO MOOSEBURG, WHERE HE WAS LIBERATED. HE WAS A BOMBARDIER ON THE B-17 FLYING FORTRESS. RECEIVED A PURPLE HEART AND AIR MEDAL.