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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
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:

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

Patrick and B17 Crew (2nd in from right, Top)