His name was Bennie W. Sobolak, birthdate in 1918.
The war he was in was World War II, along with being in the United States Airforce.
Bennie’s rank was 1st Lt, Pilot.
They served 29 missions as a Pilot in B17, but he did 32 missions in all as he was a
co-pilot.
His first assignment was in 401 St. BG 614th. Squadron to Deenethorde, England.
He was enlisted while living in Weirton, West Virginia.
Sobolak joined under peer pressure.
He picked the air force due to having a desire to fly in aircraft.
His first day was in August, 1941 for his first days in Active Service.
Bennie felt confident to go and fly off.
He first worked as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic, enlisted in Aviation Caden program in the army air force.
Sobolak got through his bootcamp/training experiences by having mechanical skills, greater understanding of mathematics, and the “slide” rule.
Since he served in the World War II battle, Sobolak has been too Breman, Germany; Garenfloss, France; Ludwigshaven, Germany; Solingen, Germany; Paris, France; Conac, France; Oschersleben, Germany; Frankfort, Germany; Wilhelmshaven, Leipzig, Germany; Lippstat, Germany; Templin, Erkner, Munster Germany; Augusburg, Berlin; Schweindfurt, Germany; Tours, France; Bqunswick, Politz; Kassel, Alkmaar; Trier, France.
When he arrived as a co-pilot, it was uncompromising by looking at the battle.
He had saw fighting within his 32 missions.
His most memorable experience was graduating from flight training.
He was rewarded with a Distinguished flying cross, air medal, and a WWII victory medal.
Sobolak had gotten them graciously from the Army.
Night clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, and writing letters were a way that people entertained themselves.
When he left, he had met charming ladies and other squadron members.
He had traveled to see the reverse side of the continents.
The unusual event for Sobolak was not being able to see the Marlene Dietrich.
The squadron called Bennie “Clark Gable” as a prank.
Bennie had thought that every officer or fellow soldiers were brave and proud. Later, the 401st had the lowest casualties in any bomb group.
Bennie did keep a personal diary to himself.
The day his service ended was December 13th, 1946 and relief of combat in 03/04/44.
After he returned to the U.S, he had been an air transport commander in the Pacific. Bennie was also assigned as a Ferry Commander after his 32 missions.
He did not go back to school and his education was not supported by a G.I. Bill.
Sobolak had close friendships until the separation in December 13th, 1946. He had kept some friendships and joined a veteran organization called V.F.W. until he had passed.
Bennie’s career was a Metallurgical tester in the W.S. Company.
The organization had social drinking as an activity.
He had attended only one reunion, but kept in touch with other officers.
After service, his life changed with having PTSD (known as Shell Shock).
The mention that Bennie had wanted was: With precision, the flying fortress knocked out railway transportation in German-occupied Europe. Sobolak’s co-pilot was hit with a piece of flack and that man’s arm hit him in the face. The 614th bombardment was called the “Lucky Devil’s” Sgt Bennie W. Sobolak was fond of his trail gunner Lt. Cohen and had great respect for Captain D.V. Kirkhuff. The 401st bombardment group (H) was issued the distinguished unit citation by the president of the United States that was the second of it’s kind for extraordinary heroism, and the greatest air battle during the mission over Oschersleben, Germany in 1944. Bennie’s ball turret gunner had been shot out/off of the B17. He had no escort while riding the plane. The squadron crew was called “Widdle Twinkle.”
We thank you for your service in protecting our country~
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.” - Isiah 25:8
The war he was in was World War II, along with being in the United States Airforce.
Bennie’s rank was 1st Lt, Pilot.
They served 29 missions as a Pilot in B17, but he did 32 missions in all as he was a
co-pilot.
His first assignment was in 401 St. BG 614th. Squadron to Deenethorde, England.
He was enlisted while living in Weirton, West Virginia.
Sobolak joined under peer pressure.
He picked the air force due to having a desire to fly in aircraft.
His first day was in August, 1941 for his first days in Active Service.
Bennie felt confident to go and fly off.
He first worked as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic, enlisted in Aviation Caden program in the army air force.
Sobolak got through his bootcamp/training experiences by having mechanical skills, greater understanding of mathematics, and the “slide” rule.
Since he served in the World War II battle, Sobolak has been too Breman, Germany; Garenfloss, France; Ludwigshaven, Germany; Solingen, Germany; Paris, France; Conac, France; Oschersleben, Germany; Frankfort, Germany; Wilhelmshaven, Leipzig, Germany; Lippstat, Germany; Templin, Erkner, Munster Germany; Augusburg, Berlin; Schweindfurt, Germany; Tours, France; Bqunswick, Politz; Kassel, Alkmaar; Trier, France.
When he arrived as a co-pilot, it was uncompromising by looking at the battle.
He had saw fighting within his 32 missions.
His most memorable experience was graduating from flight training.
He was rewarded with a Distinguished flying cross, air medal, and a WWII victory medal.
Sobolak had gotten them graciously from the Army.
Night clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, and writing letters were a way that people entertained themselves.
When he left, he had met charming ladies and other squadron members.
He had traveled to see the reverse side of the continents.
The unusual event for Sobolak was not being able to see the Marlene Dietrich.
The squadron called Bennie “Clark Gable” as a prank.
Bennie had thought that every officer or fellow soldiers were brave and proud. Later, the 401st had the lowest casualties in any bomb group.
Bennie did keep a personal diary to himself.
The day his service ended was December 13th, 1946 and relief of combat in 03/04/44.
After he returned to the U.S, he had been an air transport commander in the Pacific. Bennie was also assigned as a Ferry Commander after his 32 missions.
He did not go back to school and his education was not supported by a G.I. Bill.
Sobolak had close friendships until the separation in December 13th, 1946. He had kept some friendships and joined a veteran organization called V.F.W. until he had passed.
Bennie’s career was a Metallurgical tester in the W.S. Company.
The organization had social drinking as an activity.
He had attended only one reunion, but kept in touch with other officers.
After service, his life changed with having PTSD (known as Shell Shock).
The mention that Bennie had wanted was: With precision, the flying fortress knocked out railway transportation in German-occupied Europe. Sobolak’s co-pilot was hit with a piece of flack and that man’s arm hit him in the face. The 614th bombardment was called the “Lucky Devil’s” Sgt Bennie W. Sobolak was fond of his trail gunner Lt. Cohen and had great respect for Captain D.V. Kirkhuff. The 401st bombardment group (H) was issued the distinguished unit citation by the president of the United States that was the second of it’s kind for extraordinary heroism, and the greatest air battle during the mission over Oschersleben, Germany in 1944. Bennie’s ball turret gunner had been shot out/off of the B17. He had no escort while riding the plane. The squadron crew was called “Widdle Twinkle.”
We thank you for your service in protecting our country~
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.” - Isiah 25:8