Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Louis
Benne
POW (WWII)
June 28, 1921

–

May 12, 1978

Born:

Harrison

, 

Pennsylvania

Home:

Harrison

, 

Pennsylvania

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

During World War II, Louis Benne became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, before he was himself shot down, captured, and held as a Prisoner of War. He remained in military service after the war and returned in 1960 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    29th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    14th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 3272 (May 18, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Louis Benne (ASN: 0-802235), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a P-40 and P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 29th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    29th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    14th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Louis Benne (ASN: 0-802235), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-40 and P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 29th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    June 14, 1944 – May 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 5166

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Louis Benne (ASN: 0-802235), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down on or about 14 June 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.