Benjamin R. Whiteker

Rank: First Lieutenant

Branch: U.S. Army Air Forces

Serial: 0-718815

Unit: 394th Bomber Squadron, 5th Bomber Group, Heavy

Entered the service from: New Jersey

Died: April 30, 1945

Memorialized at: Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines

Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart

First Lieutenant Benjamin Whiteker led a B-24 bomber crew which included Staff Sergeant Rocco Piligno of Camden, New Jersey. Flying a B-24M serial #44-41869 and assigned to the 394th Bomb Squadron, 5th Bomb Group, 13th Air Force, Lieutenant Whiteker and his crew were killed in action on April 30, 1945 while on a combat mission over Davao, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, when his aircraft collided with another B-24, serial #44-41541, and crashed into the sea.

On April 30, 1945, the 394th Bomb Squadron took off from Guiuan Air Strip, Samar Island, Philippine Islands, for a combat bombing mission on Davao, Mindanao Island, Philippine Islands. The flight to, and over the target, was successful. After they had completed dropping their bombs, they proceeded toward Morotai Island, in the Molucca Islands, where they planned to land.

They were approximately thirty miles from Morotai Island, near Race Island, flying in their usual formation, when two of the airplanes in the formation collided. B-24M Serial No. 44-41869 and B-24L Serial No. 44-41541. The collision damaged both planes severely, causing them to crash into the ocean immediately. There were no survivors on either aircraft, and only one of the bodies was recovered, that of F/O Arthur B. Sobol, T-128 478, after a thorough search had been made by surface craft and low flying search aircraft.

Benjamin Whiteker was from Sunrise, Kentucky. He had attended college at Georgetown College in Kentucky before the war. Rather than wait for the draft he enlisted in the Army’s Air Corps, and successfully underwent training to be a bomber pilot.

In 2009 Dan Clifford, a distant cousin of Lt. Whiteker came into possession of some letters that he had written to his sister, Mrs. Bobbie Bramel and her husband Bob, written during his training and after he had gone overseas, as well as a picture of his flight crew. Mr. Clifford was kind enough to provide these to the website. The letters are quite revealing about both the military duties and everyday concerns of the people involved at the time.

The following letters were written by Benjamin Whiteker to his sister, Mrs. Joella (Bobbie) Bramel, during his training in the United States.

Addressed to: Mrs. Desha Whiteker, Sunrise, KY • From: Ben Whiteker, Georgetown College • January 22, 1937

Dear Folks: I was very glad to have received your letter. Wished you would have written more. How is every body at home. What are you doing now? Concerning myself, I might say that I have not been feeling so well this week and now my wisdom tooth or where it is supposed to be is swollen up. Wayne and her crowd was over this morning; they just left though I didn’t get to talk with them. The boys liked my suit very much. Thought the shirt was very classy. It has been raining all week but I think it’s going to clear off. Tincy, let me know what you make on exams. Hope you succeed without any trouble. The way I see it now, I have my last exam on Thursday — 2 p.m. I can come home on Thursday night but if you’re coming over to straighten up business I can wait until Friday morning.

Concerning the present problem that faces me. I could present a better argument if I could talk to you. The main thing is that I absolutely don’t like it. I’m tired of it. There is too much routine and regularity. I’m not homesick, I could pass any course offered, within the bounds of the freshman curriculum but I just don’t want to come. I don’t like the idea of somebody else raising my tobacco. If its O.K. with you I would like to stay at home and raise tobacco and be with every body around Sunrise and be a clod hopper. I don’t like these sophisticated and diplomatic educators. Too much class. If I should stop school I do not intend to go to the city. I could stay at home — say a year and return to school. School is a snap — but on the other hand it is trite and monotonous.

I know how you feel and I can place my self in your position and if you insist I’ll stick it out though it is a drudge. Georgetown and Georgetown college to me are even a smaller world than Sunrise but its not that I don’t like the college — just like to see how it felt to be out of school during the months of Feb., March, & April. Daddy has spent a lot of money for clothes etc and I know the approximate amount of which I will pay him back if necessary. Well that’s all I have time to write. I talk to you when you come over. Love, Ben

Addressed to: Joella Bramel, Berry School, Berry, Kentucky • From: Pvt. Ben Whiteker, A.S.N. 15195885, 404T.SS. Brks 502, Sheppard Field, Texas • 2–11–43

Dear Bobby, I got a letter from you a couple of days ago. I’ve also gotten letters from Mammy & Ruth a nice and appropriate valentine from Tincy. I’ve been rationing my letters because my time is pretty well limited. There is something to be done every day. I haven’t even started my civilian clothes home yet. But I expect to today or tomorrow. I hope that low temp. weather you’re having has subsided. We’ve been having some freak weather down here. Day before yesterday the temp. was 75 degrees. Nite before last the temp. fell 50 degrees in 3 hrs. However natives of this locality say this phenomena is not uncommon. It keeps me busy changing from summer to long handles and visa-versa. Hope you are getting along O.K. I am. I don’t anticipate being here over 6 or 7 weeks. Tincy and Mammy sent me some pks. including cigarettes, towels, hanks, toilet articles etc. I’ll try to send some snapshots home soon. I have my camera now. I can’t buy writing forms here on post. Incidentally I’m just writing on a boxtop. So if you will, please buy and send me a writing folio to hold paper envelopes & stamps. Whatever they cost I’ll send back to you. Write whenever you can and I will. Sincerely, Ben

Addressed to: Joella Bramel, Berry, Kentucky • From: Pvt. B. Whiteker, A.A.F. A.C.D. University of Wichita, Wichita, Kansas • 3-1-43

Dear Bobby: I’m really getting around the country don’t you think? I left Sheppard Field early Fri. morn and I got in here about 10:00 p.m. Fri nite. So now I’m going back to college only this time its free and a university namely, The University of Wichita. It’s a nice big school and everybody treats us royally here. I will take up a five month study period of: math, physics, History, Geography, English, Civil Air Regulations, First Aid, Interior guard duty and physical education. I will receive college hrs. of credit for the work I do here. There are about 500 of us in this outfit with no other soldiers or camps around and the people really gaze at us. I went into Wichita yesterday p.m. and had a nice time. It is a large town of over 200,000 pop. A big factory town. Write whenever you can and I will. Sincerely, Ben

Addressed to: Joella Bramel, Berry High School, Berry, Kentucky • From: Pvt. Benjamin R. Whiteker, 85th College Training Detachment (Air Crew) Flight F — Squadron III, Municipal University of Wichita, Wichita, Kansas • 5-6-43

Dear Bobby, Sorry I don’t get around to writing to you more often but they keep us on the ball pretty much. I don’t write so much as I used to. I got a letter from home yesterday. The weather remains very good out here. We changed from wool uniforms to khaki last Saturday. They’re much cooler though they don’t fit quite so good. We certainly have a fine lot of instructors here; each one is a master in his respective field. Your school will soon be out won’t it? Not much to write & I’m rushed for time so I’ll close. Write. Sincerely, Ben

Addressed to: Mr. Bob Bramel, 323 E. Pike Street, Cynthiana, Kentucky • From: A-S Ben Whiteker, Sqd. 107. Brks 6537, A.A.F.C.C. S.A.A.C.C., San Antonio, Tex • 6-9-43

Dear Bobbie, Sorry I haven’t written sooner. But I’ve been pretty busy and I have lost your address. So until I got your letter today I didn’t know where to write to. Being a Flt. Lieut I am kept pretty busy. It’s not only warm here its hot. But we’re only 100 miles from the gulf so its cloudy quite a bit and rains about every week. I went over to Randolph Field yesterday and I went through some experimental physical exams. They took my blood pressure by using needles & instrument for recording pressure. Then I was put in a pressure chamber and the air pressure was decreased to simulate an altitude of 38,000 ft at which point I had a slight case of bends (aeroembolism). Many of the fellows passed out at 25,000 to 35,000 ft. but I made it. It is one of the most beautiful fields I ever saw. Well I’ve run out of subjects so I’ll quit. I’ll try to write a little oftener. Forever, Ben

Addressed to: Joella Bramel, Berry School, Berry, Kentucky • From: A/C Ben Whiteker, 15195885, Cadet Detach GEAAF Basics, Garden City, Kansas • 9-29-43

Dear Bobby, No doubt you too have been wondering why I haven’t written to you sooner but I have been reluctant to do so in that I wasn’t sure of your whereabouts. Its raining cats and dogs here now. More rain than I’ve seen since I’ve been in. So we’re grounded today and I have a little free time to catch up on my writing. Here as has been the case in all previous phases of my tr. I am on a very strenuous schedule. We have ground school half of the day and fly the other half. In ground school I’m taking Air Navigation & Aircraft Engines. Both require quite a bit of concentrated study. But my average is well above 90%. As for the flying well you just can’t understand the interest it holds unless you were going through with it. I made my first solo a week ago Monday. I really felt funny up there by myself. I flew with my instructor 9 hrs. before he let me take it up. Now I check out a plane & a chute and go up for an hour or two. Yesterday it was raining and I went up alone for two hours. And I went on above the clouds. I couldn’t see the ground and the sun was shining, so you can’t imagine the sensation one gets from this very common situation. Quite a few of the fellows are being eliminated for divers reasons. Mostly for air-sickness and lack of flying aptitude along with intentional mistakes such as low flying, dangerous maneuvers etc. As for myself I conform strictly to the regulations, for I’ve spent too much time trying to get this far. If I get my wings, and I think and hope I will, I’ll get them about next March or April. Vernon isn’t much of a town but every one treats us fine. Drop me a few lines anytime and I’ll try to keep you informed of my flying progress. Sincerely, Ben

Addressed to: Mrs. Joella Bramel, Berry School, Berry, Kentucky • From: A/C Ben Whiteker, 15195885, Cadet Detach GEAAF Basics, Garden City, Kansas • 11-12-43

Dear Bobby, I got a letter from you today. Was very glad to hear from you. I read in the Log Cabin of your directing the glee club. I guess you are all beginning to get a little winter down there. Its really winter out here. And I’ve got the worst cold I believe I ever had. But I believe its getting a little better. On top of that we’re quarantined for Spinal Meningitis but I don’t think that will last long. I expect a leave (officers get leaves — not furloughs???) around April or May. I’m going to try to fly in. Ships are hard to get for personal Cross Country. This is a nice plane we fly. Its big and beautiful & powerful. And seems alive. I’m glad you liked the book. Write anytime you can. Sincerely, Ben

Addressed to: Lt. B.R. Whiteker, 0-718815, 422 B.V. Sqd’n T-4, T.A.A.F. Tonopah, Nev. • 17 Sept, ’44

Dear B & B, I received a letter from you the other day so I’ll be kinda prompt in answering. I flew all night last nite so I’m resting today. This flying really makes you tired. I sure did have a swell time in Los Angeles & H-wood and bought some clothes about $225 worth. I don’t know just when I’ll be leaving here now. There is a possibility that we’ll stay a few weeks longer for more Tr. Well there’s nothing to write about out here so will quit for now. Write anytime. Sincerely, Ben

Addressed to: Mrs. Joella Bramel, 143 Daniels St, Latonia, Kentucky • From: Lt. B.R. Whiteker, 0-718815, Sqd’n T-4, Sec. I Box 213, T.A.A.F., Tonopah, Nev. • Oct. 15, ’44

Dear Bobbie: Well I’m just sitting around taking things easy. It’s a beautiful day here. I just got back from church. I go about every Sunday that I can. Rumor has it that we’ll leave the 27th. But I don’t know for sure. Will no doubt go to Hamilton Field or Frisco. Guess every thing is going O.K. with you all. Will quit for now and write again when I learn something. Drop me a few lines anytime. Sincerely, Ben

Addressed to: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bramel, 143 Daniels St, Latonia, Kentucky • From: Lt. B.R. Whiteker, 0-718815, A.P.O. 713-1 F.E.A.F., C.R.T.C. Student Detach, C/o PM. S.F. Calif. • New Guinea, 24 Nov. ’44

Dear Bobby: Just a few lines. Had a nice trip over. Flew over in a little over 40 hrs. I sure have a good plane. Am now a genuine short snorter. Ran into Dumpy Mullin the other day farther up the line. Sure was surprised. We talked for 36 hrs. Sure did enjoy it. So far I kinda gotten a kick outa coming across. Had turkey for Thanksgiving. Otherwise the food is outa cans. Could sure tell you some interesting stories but they’ll probably get more interesting as time goes on. Write as often as possible. Sincerely, Ben

New Guinea, Dec. 8, ’44

Dear Bobby & Bob: Will drop you a few lines although there isn’t too much out here to write about. I received my first letter from home today. Sure was glad to get it. Have been doing a little flying, just fooling around up in the blue. Its lot of fun when you don’t have anything to do. I sure would like to take Bob up. Believe I could age him 20 yrs. in about 20 minutes. I’m sure living pretty close to nature out here. Things are, in some cases almost primitive. The sudden food contrast has been the most noticeable factor in the transition to combat. Combat rations are anything but caviar. I have already seen some unusual things and situations. I could tell you some wonderful tales. However meeting Dumpsy over here was the coincidence of my life. I nor he was ever so surprised in our lives. Is Bob still working on the Railroad. Here’s wishing you will have or have already had a very merry Xmas. Sincerely Yours, Ben

Netherlands East Indies. 26 Dec 44.

Dear Bobby: I write my letters according to priority. I believe you rate second. Since I’ve been in the army, a goodly number of my letters have been merely notices of change of address. Since I have to write quite a few, I make ’em short and sweet as possible, so this is another notice of change of address. However, I believe it will be the only one I’ll use while I’m over here. This is quite an interesting place. We were congregated in the theatre (outdoor) the other nite singing Xmas Carols and right in the middle of “Noel” Tojo came over and I dived in my foxhole and watched the fire works. It looked like a 4th of July we used to watch at Mother Arnold’s only more so. Take it from me a Nip bomber makes a beautiful explosion up there in the nite sky. Although my hairs were turning grey one by one in a mannerly fashion I couldn’t keep from peeping. I almost liked it. In an awesome sort of a way. We’re now in the process of building our tent. Its going to be good. Send me some garden seeds — Tomatoes, Radishes, Cantaloupe, Watermelon and any thing else that’s edible. Also some flower seeds. We had a fair G.I. Christmas dinner. Turkey etc. & G.I. version of pie and cake. But it was good considering what we usually have had. My best wishes to you both for a happy and successful new year. Sincerely, Ben

The Maluccas Is., Jan. 21, ’45

Dear Bobbie: I received 5 letters today including one from Mammy, two from Tincy and one from you dated Jan. 2. Yours contained the snapshots which I appreciated very much. I must say that for most part they must have had a very nice Christmas at home this year. I am sure that D was glad to get back and see everybody again. Today being Sunday I am not doing very much. Will probably go to the show tonight. I go about every nite and most of the shows are pretty good. Now and then we have a U.S.O. stage show but they’re not so good. Went to church this A.M.; it’s a big tent a few hundred feet away. As a result of services this morning they held a Baptizing this P.M. Although it was of secondary interest, still the fact that it was conducted off a coral reef of this, a little tropical island in the Pacific, was very unique and impressive. Well there isn’t much to write so will quit for now. Sure glad to hear from any of you anytime. Sincerely, Ben

The Maluccas Is., Feb. 8, ’45

Dear Bobby & Bob: We flew yesterday, a very interesting mission — one of those hair raising ones. Started out from base and never saw the sky or ocean for 4 solid hrs. — on instruments all the way to rendezvous point. Then we joined the formation and went on over the target in the clear. C.A.V.U. (ceiling and visibility unlimited). Over the target we got so much ack-ack you could get out and walk on it almost. Then on the breakaway the enemy fighters jumped. They play around out of range doing stunts and all at once they zoom up, peel off, do a wingover and fly a “pursuit curve” straight down through the formation. It’s a funny feeling to see them diving down on you and see the blazes of fire spouting out of their machine guns. And they all seemed to be aiming at me personally. Then they float past your cockpit window and split away from the formation. I daresay the rate of closure is 7 or 800 m.p.h. But we weren’t idle. Every one of my gunners were throwing quite a few slugs themselves. My nose gunner got one “probable.” I observed hits on the interceptor’s nacelle. No body got hurt but we got some holes in my plane. I’d say it was a pretty good show. So you see combat can be interesting as well as boring. However I don’t advise that sort of “shenanigans” as a good way to pass the time. I’ve been hearing from home quite frequently. Everyone seems O.K. around there. I see the draft hit Har. Co. pretty hard this mo. Well there isn’t much to write about from here so will quit for now. Hope every body is O.K. & write. Sincerely, Ben

Maluccas Is., Mar. 2, ’45

Dear Bobby: I got one letter today and that one was from you. So I’ve nothing else to do so I’ll answer back real quick like. I had letters from Mammy & Woodrow yesterday. I expect to see Woodie in the next few days. I enjoyed getting the clippings but I’d already had two different bunches of the draftees. That draft is really surprising a lot of the boys. Got the clipping of me & D & Louis. But when you send in news of me, write it something like this: Lt. B.R.W., Liberator pilot, stationed with the Thirteenth Bomber Command of the Far Eastern Air Forces, has completed 20 missions against Jap. installations in the South West Pacific area etc, etc, etc. I’ve been having a little trouble with Jap fighters recently but we don’t fool with them much. My nose gunner has credit for one “probable.” Is Bob working out of Louisville now? We’re still having rain. Sure could use some snow and ice. I might go on rest leave in a few wks. to Sidney, Aus. That will be O.K. Well I better quit for now. Not much to write. Just that I’d drop you a few lines while I had time. Write anytime. Always glad to hear from any of you. As ever, Ben

Philippines, Mar. 10, ’45

Dear Bobby & Bob: Now that I’ve gotten moved and settled down a bit will try and drop you a few lines. This island isn’t much different from any other tropical island. The people, I’d say, are civilized and most of them speak English along with their own language which is a modification of Spanish. They go around with everything on their heads — baskets, jars, and bundles of laundry. That’s the best part. The women come every day and get our laundry. That sure is a relief to me. Here might be an interesting bit of news. I made First Lieutenant yesterday. Now it’s a shiny silver bar. About $30 more per mo. Might be a captain before the war is over. I have twenty missions now and they generally go around 20 or 22 missions. I had a couple of letters from “D” yesterday. He thinks he’ll be moving again soon. Well must quit for now and write the folks. Sincerely, Ben. P.S. I heard about Aunt Kate. She surely did go quick.

Dated: Philippines, Mar. 25, ’45, Palm Sunday

Dear Bobby: Not doing much today; just sitting around taking things easy. Didn’t fly today so went to church this morning. This being Palm Sunday the Chaplain did very well I thought. Next Sunday is Easter. I’ve never seen time pass so fast. But in my case that’s good. I haven’t been doing much writing the last couple of weeks. I’ve been flying almost every day. I have 28 missions so far; so I’m not doing so badly.

I saw a good stage show the other nite. Irving Berlin’s “This Is The Army.” It was really good. I sat through it in the rain and as a result, have a cold. It was an all soldier cast. And Irving Berlin was here in person and sang several of his songs and some he’d written since he came over here. I sure enjoyed every minute of it. There’s a village or town here on the island and in it is an old rock church or monastery that is 350 yrs. old. It’s really a thing of interest and although the Japs used it they left it intact. These natives are devout Catholics.

Did I tell you that I was one of the first planes over Manila & Corregidor. I also was in raids on Nichols Fld., Clark Fld., Nelson Fld., Grace-Park Airfield & Canute Island. Things were pretty hot around there for a while. I hear from D & Ruth & the folks quite often. Well will quit for now. Write anytime. Sincerely, Ben

(Ben’s last letter to me) • Philippines, Apr. 14, ’45

Dear Bobby: Will try and drop you a few lines. I’m just sitting around tonight. I started with a can of hot water then added sugar, cocoa, and powdered milk until I got a taste that I remembered as hot chocolate. It wasn’t half bad even though the dog here wouldn’t lap up what was left over. I heard about the President yesterday. Sure was bad in times like these. It affected the men here as a major military defeat would. I’m still flying quite often. I have 35 strikes now. Did I tell you I got the Air Medal for “Meritorious achievement” et cetera. Had a letter from “D.” Said he was moving again. Hope he gets closer to home. Well I’ll quit. Hope everyone is O.K. Sincerely, Ben

The following letter was returned unread, as Lt. Whiteker had been lost by the time it arrived.

Addressed to: Lt. B.R. Whiteker, 0-718815, 394th B. Sqd N.(H) 5th B. Gp., A.P.O. 719, C/o PM. S.F. Calif. (marked: Deceased) • From: Mrs. Robert Bramel, 143 Daniels St, Latonia, Kentucky • Apr. 24, ’45

Dear Ben, Spring has come in Ky. In fact it has been here for a good while. Ruth came Friday night & we went out home with Chas Bramel Sat. morn. I hadn’t been out home since Aunt Kate’s sale & I could hardly believe the change that nature had made in the “Hollow.” The home folks seemed to be holding their own. Daddy keeps slowly fading, but never consults a doctor. Bob took his first Rail Road exam yesterday & passed it. He is now a Hostler. No more money but a necessary step to Engineering. Guess Mammy has already written that Ed. Bower died. I was buying graduation, baby and wedding presents today but left hers off until I knew further. Would like to get something she can use as well as keep and something she doesn’t have a lot of, so if you have time to think sometime I’d appreciate a hint. We’ve had the entire interior of your house re-painted and don’t think we’ve been busy and in a mess. How’s the fight? Write us anything you can about it because we’re interested. What goes on there besides war? Do they grow sugar cane & things one reads about in Geography books? Hope you are O.K. With love, Bobbie

The following letters were received by the Whiteker family after Lt. Whiteker’s death was reported.

Addressed to: Miss Ruth Whiteker, 1487 Huffman Ave., Dayton 3, Ohio • From: Miss Frances Armaline, 568 Sixth St., Campbell, Ohio • Dated: June 5

Dear Ruth, I am sending the list of names and addresses. I haven’t heard anything more since I’ve talked to you but as soon as I do I’ll write. S/Sgt. Edwin C. Austin — 34731118, Mrs. Mary L. Austin — mother, Elkton, Penn. S/Sgt. Leo R. Bender, 32944700, Mrs. Clara Bender — mother, 1522 Kemble St., Utica, N.Y. S/Sgt. Howard S. Browman — 36725268, Mrs. Rose Browman — mother, 1222 Pratt Blvd., Chicago, Ill. 2nd Lt. Robert A. Nelson — 0857149, Mrs. Cara J. Nelson — wife, 421 Leonard Ave., DeKalb, Ill. S/Sgt. Rocco Piligno — 32955-189, Mrs. Mary Piligno — mother, 1610 Pershing St., Camden, N.J. S/Sgt. Edmund R. Serrano — 37413029, Mrs. Luella Serrano — mother, 6128 Pershing Ave., St. Louis, Mo. Flight Officer — August A. Stasio, T-129883, Miss Anne Stasio — sister, 949 East 214th St., Bronx, N.Y.

That is all except one. He is the bombardier. Mrs. Bender had his address and wrote to his family and they have received the same telegram as we have. There isn’t anything I can say to ease the hurt. Words just can’t express it. I can’t and won’t believe it until I have to. If there is anything I can do, don’t hesitate in asking. Yours truly, Frances.

Note: The other members of Lt. Whiteker’s crew were S/Sgt. Richard L. Strickland, 38538441, Gunner; S/Sgt. Dominic Armaline, 15324454, Gunner; and F/O James E. Shallenberger, T-5476, Bombardier.

13th Air Force, 5th Bomb Group, 394th Bomb Squadron (H)

On April 30, 1945, the 394th Bomb Squadron took off from Guiuan Air Strip, Samar Island, Philippine Islands, for a combat bombing mission on Davao, Mindanao Island, Philippine Islands. The flight to, and over the target, was successful. After they had completed dropping their bombs, they proceeded toward Morotai Island, in the Molucca Islands, where they planned to land. They were approximately thirty miles from Morotai Island, near Race Island, flying in their usual formation, when two of the airplanes in the formation collided. B-24M Serial No. 44-41869 and B-24L Serial No. 44-41541. The collision damaged both planes severely, causing them to crash into the ocean immediately. There were no survivors on either aircraft, and only one of the bodies was recovered, that of F/O Arthur B. Sobol, T-128 478, after a thorough search had been made by surface craft and low flying search aircraft.