Name:
Marion A. Benson
Rank:
First Lieutenant
Serial Number:
O-806035
Unit:
514th Fighter Squadron, 406th Fighter Group
Date of Death:
1944-06-17
State:
Iowa
Cemetery:
Brittany American Cemetery, St. James, France
Plot:
J
Row:
11
Grave:
14
Decoration:
Distinguished Service Cross, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart
Comments:
1st Lt Marion A. Benson, pilot of the P-47 Thunderbolt 42-8493, took off from station 417 Ashford, Kent, UK on an armed reconnaissance over Lessay. He was shot down by flak at 1035. Due to his injuries and the state of his plane, he dove his aircraft into the flak position, effectively neutralizing it.