Gunnar A. Benidikston

Gunnar A. Benidiktson was born on August 13, 1921 in Upham, North Dakota.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a Private First Class in the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. He died on January 15, 1945 at the age of 23 and is now buried in Melankton Cemetery, Upham, McHenry County, North Dakota, USA.

A letter from headquarters of the 18th Infantry, in Europe, was recently received by Mrs. Runa B. Long of Upham, giving information concerning the death of her brother, Pfc. Gunnar Benidiktson. The letter in part, reads:

“Gunnar was killed in action the 15th of January, 1945, in the vicinity of Butgenbach, Belgium. At the time of his death he was rifleman with his company which was attacking an enemy-held position. As they approached their objective the company encountered intense enemy machine gun fire and during this action Gunnar was struck by a machine gun bullet which caused his instant death. He was buried in an American Military Cemetery at Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, with appropriate funeral services conducted by a Protestant Chaplain. May I extend on behalf of all the members of this organization our deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother, Bruce Hassinger, 1st Lt.”

Memorial services were held on March 3rd in the Melankton Lutheran church at Upham for Pfc. Benidiktson, who had been confirmed in that church in 1934. The services were in charge of Rev. E. H. Fafness.

Benidiktson entered the service on October 12, 1942 at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota and received his training at Fort Riley, Kansas, Camp Hood, Texas and Camp Livingston, La. He left for overseas Sept. 19, 1944. At the time of his death he was 23 years old.

He is survived by his father, Gisli Benidiktson, one brother, Leifur, in the U. S. Navy, and four sisters, Mrs. L. O. Ostby, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. S. H. Haugen, Upham; Mrs. Raymond Long, Upham; and Mrs. William Bertsch of Upham.