Veterans' Memorial Project

Frank Allyn Benitz

Las Rosas, Argentina, AL

World War I

College: Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

Graduation Year: Attended 1911-1912

Service Branch: Air Force

Rank: Lieutenant

Date of Birth: 05/25/1893

Date of Death: 08/05/1918

Affiliations: Phi Delta Theta

Lt. Benitz was born on the family ranch, estancia “La California” in Las Rosas, a province of Santa Fe, Argentina. After attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he joined the Royal Flying Corps in England. He flew the Sopwith Dolphin, a high flying interceptor nicknamed the “Block Buster.” He was killed in France on Monday, August 5, 1918, and is buried at the Gainsborough General Cemetery, Lincolnshire, England. In his honor, a commemorative stone was placed in the family cemetery at estanica “La California.” Three nephews were named after Frank Benitz, and they, along with several other family members, served with the RAF or RCAF during World War II.

-submitted by Peter Benitz, grandson of Frank Benitz’s brother

Further information: https://benitz.com

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