LT. COL. DUANE WILLARD BEESON
Parents – Carl and Zelda (Parsons) Beeson
In the terse, impersonal language of the U. S.Air Force, the following
records the facts of Duane’s life when his name, among others, was
being considered in the possible renaming of the Mountain Home Air Base:
“Fighter Pilot. Born July 16, 1921 in Boise, Idaho.
Graduated from Boise High School in 1939. Enlisted in Royal Canadian
Air Force in 1941, transferred to the Royal Air Force as a member of
the American Eagle Squadron in England in April 1942. Had over
300 flying hours when he transferred to American Air Force in September
1942. Belonged to Fourth Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force.
Flew Hurricanes, Spitfires, Thunderbolts and Mustangs. He called
his plane the “BOISE BEE”.
Was credited officially with shooting 25 planes, was second ranking ace
at time of being shot down over Germany April 5, 1944, after 150
missions. Was imprisoned in Stalag No. 1 prison camp at Barth,
Germany for 13 months, liberated by Russians at end of war, April 19,
1945. Returned to U.S., took course in jet aircraft at Williams Field
Arizona, later stationed at Greenville, S.C. Died February 13,
1947 while on way to Walter Reed Hospital at Washington D.C. for
operation for brain tumor. Buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Had rank of Lt. Colonel at time of death. Belong to John Regan
Post of American Legion, Boise, Idaho.
Medals: Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross with silver oak leaf cluster (5th)
Silver Star
Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Purple Heart
Croix de Guerre from Belgium”
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The American Legion Post who made the recommendation for submitting Lt.
Col Duane Willard Beeson’s name for consideration in the
Memorialization Program for redesignation of the Mountain Home Air
Force Base, Idaho, made these additional remarks:
Duane was not just lucky. Not only was he brave and courageous
but by his devotion to duty and his untiring efforts he became
unusually skillful and efficient in the handling of his plane. One
letter from a comrade tells how Duane rigged up an outfit in which he
spent many hours at practice. He built an electric device which
indicated hits by flashing a light. Another officer tells how
Duane built an attachment with which he was able to use his feet to
assist him in aiming. He refused leave more than once in order to “Get
more huns”.
* * * * * * * * * * *
But the fact sheet fails to convey the emotions with which each such
experience is clothed – the whole gamut of emotions must have been
experienced by Duane in vivid color. The exhilaration of being
“tops” in his profession, the uncertainties, the fears, the sorrow over
comrades missing in action, the frustration of being a prisoner, the
pride of relatives and friends and then their grief at his untimely
death. Duane was ill only a short time with the tumor and died as the
plane was landing at Washington D.C. He was buried with full
military honors in Arlington Cemetery. On January 25, 1946 he was
married to Tracy Waters of Baltimore, Maryland. It was his
intention to remain in the air force as he had been awarded a permanent
commission as Lt. Colonel.
Submitted by: Louise Beeson Morell
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