William J. Beatovich, None
| conflict: | World War II |
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| branch: | Air Force |
| rank: | Captain |
| serial number: | 0-757416 |
| location: | Unit: 603 Bomb Squadron, 398 Bomber Group, Heavy. Based in England. Air missions over Germany. Also, before assignment overseas, Chanute AFB in Illinois and Santa Anna AFB in California. |
| enlistment date: | June 11, 1941 |
| place enlisted: | Hibbing, MN |
| discharge date: | None |
| place discharged: |
| decorations: |
Air Medal (1942-) Distinguished Flying Cross (1926-) Oak Leaf Cluster (U. S. Armed Forces) Purple Heart (1932-) |
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| history: | Also attended Citizen's Military Training Camp at Fort Snelling, MN the summer of 1938 or 1939. Capt. William J. Beatovich, 22 (right) son of Mrs. Angela Knezovich, Kinney, Minn received the Distinguished Flying Cross from his squadron commander, Maj. Jean B. Miller, Portland, Oreg., for extraordinary achievement while serving as navigator of a combat bombardment wing on a M-17 Flying Fortress mission over Germany, Aug. 14, 1944. The citation accompanying the award read in part: "On this date Capt. Beatovich exhibited outstanding navigational proficiency in directing the formation over an arduous route to the objective of importance to the enemy. Upon arrival in the target area, he meticulously coordinated his actions with the other members of the lead crew. The bombing run was carefully initiated and bombs were released with exceptional accuracy in a concentrated pattern upon the vital installations. After withdrawal from the area of the objective, Capt. Beatovich set the course for the return flight to England. Employing the utmost skill, he guided the formation over the difficult course to the home base. The high degree of ability demonstrated by Capt. Beatovich contributed immeasurably to the success of this operation. The courage, coolness and teamwork displayed by this officer reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States." Capt. Beatovich was a squadron navigator. He was graduated from Buhl High School, Buhl, Minn. in 1939, and from Virginia Junior College, Virginia, Minn. in 1941. He entered the army June 11, 1941. Died: January 23, 1945 Buried at: Plot D Row 2 Grave 46 Ardennes American Cemetery Neupre, Belgium |
| service documents: | |
| references: | American Legion, Press-Lloyd Post No. 247 (Chisholm, Minn.) Records. Iron Range Research Center, Chisholm, Minnesota. archivist@mndiscoverycenter.com |
Personal Information
| date of birth: | Feb. 27, 1922 |
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| birth place: | |
| home town: | Kinney, MN |
| date of death: | Jan. 23, 1945 |
| father: | Jole Beatovich |
| mother: | Angela (Nikolich) Beatovich |
| siblings: | |
| school: | Martin Hughes High School |
Last update: 1/14/2016