About this collection:

➤ Alvin Friedrich Beneke was born July 9, 1919 to Herman H. Beneke and Alberta Cora Friedrich Beneke. Alvin grew up in Wheeling, WV, where he graduated from Triadelphia High School and followed a commercial program of study. On October 27, 1941, Beneke enlisted in the United States Army at Huntington, WV. On January 9, 1942, he earned a Certificate of Proficiency in the Clerks School at Camp Lee, VA. He was part of the paymasters, payroll clerks, and timekeepers administrative occupation. He served in the Army Headquarters 6th Infantry Division in WWII. He served for four years and was involved in the Battle of Lingaten Gulf and in the invasion of the Philippines. Beneke received several decorations and citations during his service, including: Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon w/2 Bronze Stars per WD GO #33/45; American Theater Ribbon; American Defense Service Medal; Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/ 1 Bronze Star per WD GO #33/45;Good Conduct Ribbon; and Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on November 9, 1945.

Alvin F. Beneke and Winona J. Parsons were united in marriage in 1947 and were married for 60 years. The couple had three daughters, Carol Beneke, Elaine Beneke Strauch, and Alice Beneke Sobray. The family lived on Decatur Avenue in Wheeling. Alvin F. Beneke worked for Valley Camp Coal Co. for 40 years as an insurance and compensation manager. He was a long time member of Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church. He died at the age of 88 on February 15, 2008 and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, who lived to be 100.

Other relatives from the Beneke family whose items are in this collection include Alberta Beneke, Phyllis Beneke, August Beneke, and Herbert Beneke.

This collection consists primarily of photographs, letters, maps, and newsletters relating to Alvin Friedrich Beneke’s career in the military. The military photographs primarily span the years of 1941 to 1945 and include locations such as Huntington, WV; Camp Lee, VA; Tennessee; Yuma, AZ; Camp San Luis Obispo, CA; Hawaii; Milne Bay, New Guinea; Toem-Maffin Bay, Dutch, New Guinea; Sansapor, Dutch New Guinea; and Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Additional newspapers, financial papers, and some memorabilia are from other Beneke family members. Some family memorabilia items are of interest due to their connection to the Wheeling, WV area.

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