Benjamin Bernard Betsill, Jr., was born 18 January 1919 in Cross Keys, Union Co., S.C., a son of Benjamin Bernard, Sr., and Annie J. (Kellar) Betsill. His siblings were: Charlie, Laura Frances, William B., Walter Raymond, and Claude A. He married Elizabeth Stewart of Union, S.C. He graduated from Cross Anchor High School and worked for the State Highway Department for about four years and then for Firestone Service Stores.

He enlisted in the Army 15 July 1942 at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, S.C., & qualified for Aviation Cadet 14 November 1942. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant 1 October 1943 & promoted to 1st Lieutenant 5 October 1944. On 25 October 1944, he was awarded the Air Medal for his participation on 28 August 1944 in an attack upon an aircraft dispersal area at Villa France di Verona Airdrome, Italy. He was killed in action while on his 34th bombing mission17 November 1944. He was the pilot of a B-25 (Mitchell - #43-36122) which departed from Corsica to Tomba Rail Bridge in Northeastern Italy. Nearing the target, his bomber was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire. Although two crew members parachuted out and were captured, the remaining crew perished in a crash near San Vito al Tagliamento, about 20 miles southwest of Udine.

Ben was buried 19 November 1944 in a cemetery in Valvasone, Italy. His remains along with three others in his squadron were returned to the U.S. in March, 1949. The remains that could be 100% positively identified as Benjamin’s were buried at Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Padgett’s Creek, Union Co., S.C. All co-mingled remains that could not be individually identified were buried together at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Ky. All four names were placed on the stone.

Benjamin B Betsill Jr