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Benjamin Bennie Thomas

First Name: 
Benjamin Bennie
Middle Name: 
Joseph
Last Name: 
Thomas
Date of Birth: 
12/12/1917

Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: Was placed in Mills Home, a Thomasville Orphanage at age 6, along with the 2 other oldest boys. Two younger siblings joined them later. Killed by sniper fire, while going to the aid of a wounded comrade in a foxhole on Iwo Jima. Buried Grave #1666, Row 34, Plot 81, in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery, Iwo Jima.

Age at Death: 27

Image Source: Carolina Room photo

Personal Details

Education Details: 
Majored in Chemistry.
Biographical Notes: 
Atlantic Brewing Company, Big Star, City Water Works, Thomasville, NC, Lance Company, Charlotte St. John Baptist S. S.
Family Details: 

Mrs. Minnie Mangum/ Marcum Thomas, formerly of the Mills Home: 526 Seigle St., Charlotte, NC

Joseph Mangum Thomas, born ~1940

Father died when he was 2. Mother was unable to care for 5 children. Placed them in Mills Home, a Baptist Orphanage in Thomasville. (deceased by 1945)

Ed Thomas - serviceman, Grady Thomas - serviceman, Henry Thomas - serviceman, Mrs. Dorothy Thompson - Hollowell, ME

Military Details

Military Branch: 
Marines Enlisted: 1-22-44
Military Rank: 
Private First Class
Military Unit: 
27th Marine Band, 4th Marine Division
KIA Date: 
3/14/1945
MIA Date: 
NA
KIA / MIA Place: 
Iwo Jima, Japan
Military Details: 
Parris Island, SC, Camp LeJeune, Iwo Jima, Japan
Source: 

Newsprint and family information