Patrick D. Benker, Daughter Patricia 1943

Bio Image

Last Name: BENKER
First Name Middle Initial: PATRICK DENNIS
Nick Name: Pat
Street: PO BOX 1027
City &State: PINECREST, CA
E-Mail: benkerp@yosemite.cc.ca.us
Zip: 95364-0027
Phone: (209) 965 3830
Spouse: Zelma Kathryn Epperson *deceased
Conflict: WWII
Service Branch: Army Air Corp
Unit: 8thAF,546BS,384BGH,Graffton-Underwood,Eng
Theater: ETO
Where Captured: Keil,Germany
Date Captured: 4/9/44
Bases Stationed:
Camps Held In: Schleswig Laz 4/9/44,Wismar Laz 7/21/44,Dulag Luft,Frankfort 10/7/44,Obururseu,Westler,Kefheide,Stalag Luft IV2/7/45 LuftI,Barth,Germany;Liberated byRussians,5/1/45
How Long Interned: 387 days
liberated / repatriated: liberated
Date Liberated: 5/1/45
Age at Capture: 28
Medals Received: Purple Heart, Air Medal(with 3OLC)Unit Citation, EAME Theater Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Pres. Unit Citation
Military Job: B-17,Engineer,Right Waist Gunner
Company: United States Army
Occupation after War:
Primary Civilian Employer:
Date This Site First Published:
Date Last Edited:

Military Bio:

I am in the process of collecting info. for Dad's bio. like many Ex-POW's Dad was one of the silent, who never talked about the dreadful experience.However,I will do the best I can to honor his memory and those who helped him survive the experience.I continue to search for anyone who assisted Dad as he was in a body cast and later the leg would not heal,during the walk from,(StalagIV)I know there are Ex-POW's I would like to thank for my father.Patricia

My Message to Future Generations: Until I can find Dad's note. God Bless Our American Ex-POW's each one of you who gave so much for the Freedoms we enjoy today.May we your children be there for you now, what ever your needs may be,as you have been there for eachother all these years. Crew Members: (Front Row from left to right) Shannon , Lucian G., Radio Gunner - Palmer, Raymond T., Tail Gunner - Coleman, Lester, K, Ball Turret Gunner - Hamm, Morton W. , Right Waist Gunner BACK ROW (from left to right) Hawkins, Charles, W, Radio Operator - Schock, George W. , Co Pilot - MacPhail, Phillip R., Pilot - Garrett, James P. , Bombardier - Benker, Patrick D. , 1st Aerial Engineer, Gunner - Kranick, Martin e., Navigator 8th Airforce 384th BG 576 BS

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