The Bengtson Brothers

OK, everyone...

I have three relatives, 2 of which are now dead, who served in WWII.

Pete Bengtson: Born in 1913,
Enlisted as a PFC in Fort Sheridan IL, 18 Feb 1942
Became a Radio Operator
Served in the Philippines
Served with the 5th Army Airforce
Was on the first flight into Japan after their surrender
Was discharged as a sgt.

Willard Bengtson: Born in 1921,
Thought to have served in the Medical Corps.
Served we think in Europe
Discharged as a PFC

Einer Bengtson: Born in 1926,
Enlisted as a PFC 20 Nov, 1945
Regular Army, Served only one year
Served we think in Europe
Discharged as a PFC

As you can see I have the most info one Pete, who is my grandfather, but I have none except oral history on Willard and I only have the enlistment record for Einer.

If any of you could help me find more info on these brothers it would be extremely helpful, especially anything on Willard and anything about the first flight into Japan after their surrender.

Thanks,
Jenn

 

Are these their full names? Also, where are they from (city,st)? I have not found any links to these names but then again I am using only one source.

 

All three brothers were born in Minnesota, what city I am not sure, though Einer for sure was born in Chisago county.

Their full names are:

Pete Eugene Bengtson
Willard Freeman Bengtson
Einer C. Bengtson

I do not know Einer's full middle name.

Jenn

 

Jenn,

The starting place is the Form DD214 for each of your relatives. The DD214 contains all of the basic information concerning a persons service including training, units designation/s, medals and awards, wounds (if any), etc. Lots of people think the DD214 is the Discharge Papers, but it is really something different. It is the Report of Separation or words to that effect.

Soldiers were given copies of their DD214s when they were discharged. They were encouraged to file the copy with the Office of the County Clerk in the county which they set up their first permanent residency after leaving the service. Not everyone did this. If you can figure out the counties where these men took up their permanent residences, you might be able to obtain a notarized copy of their DD214s from the county clerk.

Good luck with your search,

Five-Zero-Nan

 

Thanks Five-Zero-Nan,

I will have to try this, I am pretty certain that Pete lived permametly in Chisago county after the war but I am unsure about the other two.

Thanks

Jenn

 

Hi Jenn,

I have no information on these Bengtson, but I used to correspond with a Alden Bengtson from Milltown, Wisconsin. He was with the 12th Armored Division and a great letter-writer. Might he be related?

 

Hey Stevin,

I just saw your post. Alden Bengtson is not related to these brothers or to my family but thanks for the thought.