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Arthur Betts - World War II

Arthur Betts, a World War II veteran serving in the European theater, and one of 2,221 blacks who served with white infantry units during and after the Battle of the Bulge.

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Dave Bakke's Article

See also columnist Dave Bakke’s April 24, 2010 article in the Springfield State Journal-Register.

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Photos

Caption
Arthur Betts’ official Army photo taken early in his service, circa 1943. It is the only photo the family has from his wartime years.

Where:
Unknown

When:
Circa 1943

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Arthur Betts (center) and several other African-American veterans of the 99th Infantry Division met in 2000. The division played a role in the crucial Rhine river crossing at Remagen, Germany in 1945.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
Circa 2000

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Arthur Betts, at an event where he was the honored guest.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
Unknown

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Arthur with Senator Dick Durbin.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
Unknown

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Arthur Betts is recognized by other military veterans during an event at the Illinois State capitol.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
Unknown

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Arthur Betts points to his brick at Illinois’ World War II Veterans Memorial in Springfield, Illinois.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
Unknown

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Sergeant Betts wore this helmet liner while on maneuvers in Louisiana circa 1942. In April 2010, nearly seventy years later, collector Bill Reynolds, determined to find its proper owner, returned the helmet liner to Judy Betts Davis, Arthur’s daughter.  

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
April 2010

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo



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