Forrest Edwin Bennett
Ohio 32C, USNR
born 4-28-1925, died 10-20-1944
Article taken from The Portsmouth Daily Times, Saturday, November 4, 1944, p. 1Local Sailor Lost In Pacific Sector
Seaman Second Class Forest Edwin Bennett, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Marion Bennett of Lucasville, Rt. 2, is missing in action, according to a telegram received from the navy department by parents.
Seaman Bennett entered the Navy April 16, 1944, and received his training at Great Lakes. At the end of his basic training leave, he was sent to California and then reported for active duty. When Seaman Bennett entered the Navy, he was a member of the senior class of Minford High School.
Besides his parents, Seaman Bennett has three brothers, George, Marion Jr., and Harold. He also has a sister, Violet, at home.
Follow-up Article taken from The Portsmouth Daily Times, Monday, December 18, 1944, p. 1
Sailor Ed Bennett Killed In Pacific
Seaman Near Minford Previously Listed Missing
Forest Edwin Bennett, 18, seaman first class, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Marion Bennett of Lucasville, Rt. 2, near Minford, previously reported missing, was killed in action.
The parents received a message today from the Navy department advising that Seaman Bennett was killed in action October 20 in the South Pacific.
A junior in Minford High School, Seaman Bennett left school April 16 to join the Navy. He was trained at Great Lakes and went overseas in June.
Besides the parents, he is survived by the following brothers and sister, George, Marion Jr., Harold and Violet Bennett at home.
The Portsmouth Times, 31 May 1948
Bodies of 3 More Scioto Veterans En Route Home
As the nation paused to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of past wars, the bodies of 4, 459 Americans who lost their lives in the southern Pacific in World War II, three from Scioto County, were en route home for burial today.
The army transport Lt. George W. G. Boyce is bringing the remains from Manila to the states at the request of parents and relatives who asked that their loved ones be placed at rest in cemeteries near their homes.
Seven from southern Ohio and one from northern Kentucky are included in the roll of war dead. They are:
Forest Edwin Bennett, seaman first class, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Marion Bennett of Lucasville Rt. 2, killed in action October 20, 1944 in the south Pacific at the age of 18.
Pfc. James W. Dearfield, next of kin, Rena G. Dearfield of Haverhill.
Sgt. Forrest M. Dever, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dever of Sciotoville Route 2 who lost his life off the coast of New Guinea early in 1945. He was a former teacher in the Madison Township school.
Pvt. Denver F. Diltz, next of kin, Charles F. Dills of Creola, Rt. 1, Vinton County.
Pfc. Andres French, next of kin, Jerry French of Oak Hill Rt. 2.
Cpl. Lowell E. Hart, next of kin, Pearl Gebhart of Hillsboro Rt. 3.
First Lt. Wilbur L. Wilkin, next of him, Helen Mae Wilkin.
The Portsmouth Times, 2 July 1948
Seaman Forrest Bennett
Rev. Clarence Caulley will officiate when last rites will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Minford Methodist Church for Seaman Forrest Bennett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Marion Bennett of Minford Pike who was killed in action in 1944.
Interment will be in Bennett Cemetery with military honors. The body is at the home of the parents.