Benny J. Radzevich
Killed in Service July 4, 1945
First Lieutenant Benny J. Radzevich, well-known in local sports circles as "Big Ben Rogers," former captain of the Textiles in the basketball loop, lost his life July 5 when the Flying Fortress on which he was returning to the United States from Europe became ablaze in mid- Atlantic and crashed into the sea. Four of the eight persons aboard died as a result of injuries and exposure, the Amsterdam Army officer among them. A letter from the co-pilot to the sister and father, Peter Radzevich, 9 Kline Street, gives details of the tragic happening.
The family first received notice from the War Department on July 11 when it was said that the aviation officer was missing as of July 5. Hope that rescue might have been effected lingered until the arrival of the following letter from Lieut. L. H. Haish:
“Dear Miss Radzevich: It is with deepest of regrets that I find myself faced with the most difficult task.
“There were four survivors from our crew, none of which was your brother, Benny. I know this shall come as a severe shock to you but perhaps in another way might help to relieve some of the extreme anxiety and worry from bad news you expected to come soon or later. My deepest sympathies go along with you, for Benny was one of the best friends I've ever known.
“We were flying back to the States from the Azores and had engine trouble about 150 miles out. We developed an engine fire, which couldn't be extinguished despite every attempt Benny and I made. So we decided to set it down in the water before the gasoline on board exploded.
“When we were low enough we turned on the landing lights, but were blinded by heavy fog over the water, and neither of us could see the water. As a result, the crash occurred, although we had control of the airplane all the time. Benny, Swartz, Riley, Baker, three passengers and myself got out of the plane, which sank immediately before any of the fellows could get the life rafts free.
“One fellow died immediately, due to serious injury, and there were seven of us left. We decided to hold out till morning, when help would probably arrive. We had radioed our position. After an hour or so help did come, but since it was dark and we had no means of signaling, all efforts on the rescue plane's part were futile.
“We could do nothing. We were utterly helpless. Baker and one passenger died soon after daybreak. During this time Benny was his old self, kidding and acting as though he were very confident of help arriving soon. All at once he went to pieces, due to shock and exposure in the cold water, and in less than a half-hour passed away peacefully."
Lieut. Radzevich was inducted in April, 1941, and he became an aviation cadet in February of 1943. He was commissioned as a pilot at Blytheville, Ark., November 9, 1943, and served as instructor at MacDill Field, Tampa, FL for several months before he left for overseas. He participated in several missions over Holland and Germany during the closing weeks of the European war.
A weaver in the Bigelow-Sanford carpet plant before entering service, the Amsterdam pilot, 28 years old, was a native of this city and had always lived here.
Surviving in addition to the father are a brother, Petty Officer 2/C Leo J . Radzevich, with the “Seabees” in California; two sisters, Vilma, Johnstown, and Frances Radzevich. who resides at home.
Next Saturday morning at 8 o'clock a requiem high mass for repose of his soul will be sung at St. Casimir's Church, of which he was a member.