Henry Theodore Bengis, 101

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NATICK – Henry Theodore Bengis, 101, of Natick formerly of New York, City and Bridgeport, CT passed away on June 24, 2022. 

Devoted husband of the late Mary Joan (Kral) Bengis.  Devoted father of Carol Mary Bengis of Natick.  Loving uncle of Stella Humphreys, John Bengis, Mark Bengis, Richard Bengis, Michael Bengis, Edward Kral, Ricky Kral, Barbara McLaughlin, and Candace Rundberg. 

Son of the late Henry Lawrence and Bertha Auguste (Meyer) Bengis.  Brother of the late Helmuth and Richard Bengis. 

Funeral from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street in Natick on Saturday July 2 at 9 a.m.

  Followed by Funeral Mass in St. Linus Church 119 Hartford Street Natick at 10 a.m.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  Interment Glenwood Cemetery, South Natick. 

Visiting Hours on Friday July 1st from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. 

Henry was Second Lieutenant, US Army Air Corp, WWII.  He was inducted in Jan. 3, 1943 and began active duty on Nov. 3, 1943 during which time he flew 20 ½ missions as a B-17 Pilot.  He was based in Kimbolton, England as member of the 525th Squadron, 379th Bomb Group, Mighty 8th. The 379th achieved the distinction of being name 8th Air Force Operating Grand Slam-first in every phrase of bombing in which Bomb Groups of the 8th Air Force was graded.  The 379th Bomb Group was the only unit ever awarded the 8th Air Force Grand Slam, a very unique honor.  Henry was shot down in Belgium on Sept. 11, 1944.  After the crash landing on a farm, he was captured by the Germans, and became a POW at Stalag Luft 1 in Barth, Germany.  When the war was over, the POW camp was liberated, he returned to the US and he was honorably discharged on April 22, 1946. 

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Henry may be made to the Wounder Warrior Project PO Box 758519 Topeka, KS 66675 or New England Center and Home for Veterans 17 Court Street Boston, MA 02108.