Monday, May 30, 2016

Benjamin Odeimin



Benjaimin Odeimin - born 19 Aug 1912 in Cross Village, son of  Benedict Odeimin and Thresa Moanquay. Enlistment date July 1st, 1941. Killed In action WWII 10 October, 1944. 

The 306th Engineers were fighting Japanese in the South Pacific on Guam and Peleliu Islands.

The Battle of Angaur was a battle of the Pacific campaign in World War II, fought on the island of Angaur in the Peleliu Islands from 17 September—22 October 1944. This battle was part of a larger Japenese offensive campaign known as Operation Forager which ran from June 1944 to November 1944 in the Pacific Theater of Operations, and Operation Stalemate II in particular resulting in an American Victory. 

On 10 Oct 1944, Private Benjamin Odeimin, Ottawa Indian from Cross Village, led a patrol to recover the bodies of two fallen soldiers. In his heroic attempt, he made the ultimate sacrifice, losing his life due to his efforts. 
The Petoskey News Review of 31 Oct 1944 ran the following on page one.


During pow wow celebrations and intermission in August of 1945 at Cross Village, his efforts were recognized by the Anishawbek of his tribe. At this time, his mother, Thresa Moanquay Odeimin was given his bronze star and purple heart. 

The Escanaba Daily Press of 16 Aug 1945 ran the following on page four.
Like many of the Odeimin families of Cross Village, Ben was known as a gifted snow shoe maker. His father, Benedict Odeimin had already proceed him in death in 1913. 

Today, he rests in peace in Holy Cross Cemetery in Cross Village, his home, with a military headstone.



His legacy and contributions are now known to his ancestors and we remember.  There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13
Information contributed by Scott Schwander.