World War II Honoree

Elmer T. Beniaris

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Honored By

Dr. Thalia D. Sipple

Relationship

Daughter

8th Air Force bombardier and navigator out of England. Served on several bombing missions when his plane was hit and caught fire over Hamburg, Germany. Last to jump so he could help the pilot who was unconscious; both jumped. His head caught fire and he lost his hair. Landed in what he thought was the French underground, but it was in Nazi territory. He was taken as a Prisoner Of War to Stalag 4. As an officer he helped men to escape including allies. Was fed 1 potato with several live bugs including roaches in his soup; lost 50 pounds in one month. Once a month he was given a Red Cross package. Traded tobacco for paper and pencil and he wrote in shorthand daily, his diary and information. He sneaked this information out of the camp until finally it came into the hands of General Patton, who came in and rescued all the Prisoners Of War. Awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal with numeral 2; Prisoner Of War Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Emblem, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal times 3, WWII Victory Medal, Bronze Star, Honorable Service Medal Lapel Button, Marksman Badge with Machine Gun Bar and Aircraft Crewman Badge. Deceased 1968.