New fitness center gets hero namesake May 22 Published May 20, 2008 By 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Davis-Monthan honors Arizonan and World War II hero Tech. Sgt. Arthur J. Benko May 22 at 9 a.m., dedicating the base fitness center in his honor. The ceremony will include A-10 and HH-60s, period costumes and narrative reenactments to showcase Sergeant Benko's heroic service. Sergeant Benko entered service during World War II from Bisbee, training at D-M before entering combat action in the Pacific Theater. He gave his life while engaged as a top-turret gunner on a B-24 Liberator attacking Japanese shipping near Hong Kong, China in 1943. People attending the ceremony are encouraged to avoid driving to the fitness center for the event, as parking will be limited. Auxiliary parking and bus transportation will be available at the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron parking lot and at Heritage Park. Sergeant Benko has been a revered by Airmen at D-M in recent years, being the subject of Veterans and Memorial Day commemorations. He distinguished himself as a aerial gunner, and is credited with shooting down 16 Japanese fighters, including 7 on a single mission. He received public acclaim during the war for his combat prowess.