Benjamin E. Crowell, Jr. lived in Avondale, and was one of 3 children, including sisters Benita and Leila.  Benjamin attended Avon Grove High School and graduated in 1936. 

Benjamin joined the Army Air Corps and earned his ‘wings’ at Lubbock, Texas, and was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant.  He flew bombers on anti-submarine patrols in the Mediterranean Sea, while based in North West Africa. He was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant and received the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for this service.  

Benjamin returned home on leave in December 1943, after completion of his tour.  He was then sent to the Pacific theater, where he flew a B-29 Superfortress, considerably larger and longer ranged than the B-17’s and B-24’s. 

Benjamin was assigned to the 971^st Bomber Squadron, of the 497^th Bomber Group (Very Heavy), in the 73^rd Bombardment Wing, stationed on Guam in the Marianas.

First Lieutenant Benjamin E. Crowell, Jr., was Killed In Action on a B-29 mission over Tokyo on January 9, 1945 on his 6^th mission. 

Benjamin is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing in Action at the  Honolulu Memorial Cemetery in Hawaii. 

His sister, Benita, served in the Woman's Army Air Corps (WACS) during the war.