Benson A. Manley -- San Bruno

Manley was born in Wichita Falls, Texas. His parents, Lisbon and Nellie Manley, were from Georgia. Benson, his sister Helen and brother Jay were orphaned at a young age. They attended Buckner Academy in Dallas, Texas after both parents died.

Upon graduation, Benson enlisted in the U.S. Army during the depression. He was ultimately sent to the Pacific Theater while based in the United States prior to World War II. In 1942, Benson attended Officer Candidate School, achieving the rank of second lieutenant at graduation. He fought in the campaigns and liberation of the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan. As a member of the 188th Regiment, of the 11th Airborne Division, he took part in landing assaults and during August 1945, entered Japan to secure Atsugo airfield, still in Japanese possession before General Douglas MacArthur entered. He received a bronze star for the liberation of Luzon, Philippines.

In 1946, Benson reverted to the U.S. Army Reserve and spent two years studying at the University of Alaska before a a recall to active duty during the Korean conflict. In 1950, he transferred to the sector of Germany controlled by the Americans, serving with the 443rd Battalion Anti-Aircraft Artillery unit until his departure in 1954 with the rank of captain.

In 1954, Benson and Stella moved to the United States, ultimately settling in San Bruno where they purchased a home and lived for more than 50 years. After working in the construction trade for many years, Benson joined United Airlines in 1967 and retired in 1983 as an electrician at SFO.

Benson is survived by his wife Stella, whom he met in 1951 on leave in Berchtesgaden, Germany. They married in her native England in 1954. He is also survived by their sons Alan and John, daughter-in-law Zeline and grandsons Colin, Martin and Gordon. Alan and his family live in Belgium. John lives in San Bruno.

A memorial service will be held 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1699 Santa Lucia Ave., in San Bruno. The family requests any donations be made to St. Andrew’s Memorial Fund.