Remembering the Army service members who crashed on Sharp Top Mountain in 1943

On February 2, 1943, a B-25 Mitchell bomber crashed into the southern slope of Sharp Top Mountain, part of the Peaks of Otter along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway, during a low-level nighttime training mission gone awry. The servicemembers came from the Columbia Army Air Base in South Carolina.

The aircraft, carrying a crew of five Army airmen, struck the mountain at approximately 3,100 feet, resulting in the tragic loss of all aboard. The crash, attributed to the plane flying too low in poor visibility, left scattered wreckage across the rugged terrain, with remnants like the rear section and other debris still visible today.

The site, nestled in dense forest, has become a somber destination for hikers willing to brave a moderately strenuous, often unmarked trail to pay respects to the fallen and explore a piece of World War II history.

The plaque reads:

ON FEBRUARY 2, 1943

AIRCRAFT 129828

FROM COLUMBIA ARMY AIR BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, CRASHED INTO SHARP TOP MOUNTAIN.

THE B-25D MITCHELL BOMBER WAS ON A LOW-LEVEL, NIGHTTIME NAVIGATIONAL TRAINING MISSION.

THIS MEMORIAL IS ERECTED ON THE CRASH SITE IN MEMORY OF THE FIVE BRAVE AIRMEN WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY.

2ND LT. GEORGE R. BENINGA • BOMBARDIER AGE 23, MARIETTA, MINNESOTA

CORPORAL PETER J. BISCAN – ENGINEER AGE 29, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

2ND LT. HILARY S/BLACKWELL • NAVIGATOR AGE 22, SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

2ND LT. WILLIAM C. MCCLURE • CO-PILOT AGE 22; INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

2ND LT. PAUL M. PITTS- PILOT AGE 21, POTEAU, OKLAHOMA

“IN SOLEMN SALUTE TO THOSE THOUSANDS OF OUR COMRADES — GREAT, BRAVE MEN THAT THEY WERE — FOR WHOM THERE WILL BE NO HOMECOMING, EVER.” ERNIE PYLE

IN FINAL TRIBUTE

FEBRUARY 2, 2001

UNITED STATES ARMY AIR CORPS

The hike to the B-25 crash site is both a physical and reflective journey, drawing adventurers to Sharp Top Mountain for its historical significance and commanding views from nearby overlooks. The trail is a little challenging to some due to its steep, rocky paths, leading through thick woods where the forest is slowly reclaiming the wreckage. However, it is doable as long as you don’t have any health problems. Be sure to drink water beforehand and during the hike, especially in summer.

The site’s remote location and the effort required to reach it add to its mystique, making it a poignant reminder of sacrifice amid the natural beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Having served this country as an infantryman in the US Army, I’m reminded of those who paid that ultimate sacrifice and how I am one of the fortunate to still be living. May the memory of these men and women never fade.

Regardless of your feelings on war, I know I have many mixed feelings myself; people on all sides lost their lives. I point no fingers, but think of the friends and families who are hurting to this day because of conflicts all across the world.

So, this Memorial Day, I send tribute to all the men and women who have lost their lives, but especially these five servicemembers:

• 2nd Lt. George R. Beninga, 23, Marietta, Minnesota
• Corporal Peter J. Biscan, 29, Chicago, Illinois
• 2nd Lt. Hilary S. Blackwell, 22, Santa Monica, California
• 2nd Lt. William C. McClure, 22, Indianapolis, Indiana
• 2nd Lt. Paul M. Pitts, 21, Poteau, Oklahoma

Note: These photos are from March 2012. Maximus was just a little over two years old.