VINTON, Iowa – Ninety-one year old Bill Benson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.

 It was pretty easy going in the Navy, but it was a lot tougher after he joined th Army. He was hit 11 times, taken prisoner and escaped a month later and had his M1 rifle, ammunition and his supply of grenades as he headed out the door. An officer who knew his history stopped him because someone who has been a prisoner cannot br sent back to the front.

Bill Benson knew no fear. He always felt someone was looking out for him. Before suffering each of his wounds a female voice told Benson that he was going to be hit. The voice, perhaps the voice of an angel, also told Benson he would be ago.

Benson received the Purple Heart, Good Conduction Medal ,Prisoner of War medal,  Two Korean Service medals, World War II, Victory, China Service and National Defense medals.

Here he talks about the experience with his faithful cat, Clyde, by his side. Video by Jim Morrison. News Editor/Vinton Newspapers/ Copyright Jim Morrison/All rights reserved