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urtIon-stedlon-. L.LETTER RECEIVED OS THE TDEATH OF SISGT* 1BALLARD J. BENTLEY £thisthetwoKy., )nth arg-oins lays it a theleftnanred.sol-lan.*auljm*De-try.roicanytoiononsrm-aidig-ne-lis-ld.fishanyleirionate?ctssellEn-les-nlyhis*il*Headquarters 344th Bombardment Group(M) AAFAPO APO 140, c-o P. M. New York, N. Y., April 20, 1945.Mrs. Ada Bentley Box 243 Neon. Ky.Dear Mrs* Bentley:It is my sad duty to confirm the announcement you have received from the War Department concerning the death of your son, S Sgt. Ballard J. Bentley, 6941901, 497th Bombardment Squadron, 344 Bombardment Group.He was killed when the plane in which he was flying as Tail-Gunner was hit by flak over enemy territory on a combat mission. A Protestant Chaplain officiated whenhe was buried in the UnitedStates Military Cemetery near Margraten, Belgium.In behalf of the Officers and Enlisted Men of this Group Iwish to express cur deep re. gret and sympathy hi your sorrow. Your son made the supreme saciifice in the service of his country. He was a splendid and courageous soldier, never for an instant shirking his duty or evadinghis responsibility. We here are all aware of the hazards and the dangers that await us in the prosecution of ibis terrible war- Your son also knew and was aware of these dangers, yet in the face of this knowledge he never faltered in the performance ol his duty. He wen! about ‘he performance of I hat duty courageously and bravely, fie lived and died in the honored tradition of the American Soldier, that of believing in and holding high the demo-and giving his life that theseideals might live. His record is a credit to the Squadron and our Group and one by which you can well be proud. He was loved and respected by the members of his crew and of this Group.Your son participated La twenty-five combat missions for which he was awarded the Air Medal and four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air MedaLAs your son lies in death today you have the knowledgethat he lies with the heroicdead. He gave his life for his country and for you so thatIt is my earnest prayer that God will strengthen and sustain you that you may bear your grief bravely and cour„ ageously-Chaplain (Capt) USA Group ChaplainSincerely yours,—Charles J, Fox.apiciCcimite!S|hadaarhehaAithhaMciVIanm.Lcla:MarinC(hearcratic ideals of our country w'FichthAjwlt;inBesoKjMsbMWthe world might live. haatre:atlt;ianweanLoPvt. Ray Adams, son of ] Mr- and Mrs. Joe W. Adams Jo,
Newspaper Details
Whitesburg Mountain Eagle
Whitesburg, Kentucky, US
Thu, Jul 05, 1945
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Midpointe L.
OH, USA 01 Mar 2023
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Whitesburg Mountain Eagle
