WWII Army Signal veteran awarded medals from 310th ESC Army Reserve Soldiers

Photo By Maj. Sean Delpech | Ninety-five-year-old former Army Signal Soldier Benjamin Benett stands with his family after accepting awards for his military service as an Army Signal Soldier. Bennett, a World War II veteran, was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal with the Silver Campaign Star, and the World War II Victory Medal he earned fighting during the war. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Sean D. Delpech)  

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES

04.23.2015

Story by Capt. Sean Delpech 

310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

INDIANAPOLIS – Army Reserve Soldiers from the 310th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and VFW Post 261 teamed up to present World War II veteran Benjamin M. Bennett with several Army medals on his 95th birthday, April 12, 2015.

Bennett, a former Army Signal technical sergeant, enlisted Jan. 27, 1942, in Albany New York, and served under the 62nd signal Group.

Bennett was invited to VFW Post 261 here for his birthday where he was surprised with the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal with the Silver Campaign Star, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Members of VFW Post 261 asked Army Reserve Col. Robert G. Haste, the 310th ESC chief of staff, and modern Soldiers of the 310th ESC to present the medals to the WWII veteran.

“We’re absolutely happy and thrilled to be able to take the time to come and honor a great Soldier for a job well done and give him the recognition that he has deserved for so long,” said Haste.

Bennett was surrounded by friends and family after being led into the VFW Post through an aisle-way composed of Army Reserve Soldiers, many of them modern Signal Soldiers, there to honor his service. He stood at the front of the room with a smile as Haste presented the awards and shook his hand.

Bennett fought in five campaigns during WWII, including Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and the Po Valley before leaving the Army 2 October, 1945 at Fort Dix, New Jersey, but never received all of the medals from his service until now.

He worked several civilian positions over the years, but retired April, 1982 after 22 years at Naval Avionics (Bureau of Naval Weapons) in Indianapolis, Ind. as an Electronic Test Equipment inspector.

Bennett also stayed involved with the Army, teaching hunting, trapping and archery on Fort Benjamin Harrison during his off time.

“Living just on the outskirts of Fort Benjamin Harrison, it wasn’t uncommon for my dad to bring Soldiers home for Holiday Dinners while we were growing up,” said Darlayne Coughlin, Bennet’s daughter.

When asked how he felt about the surprise, Bennett said, “Overwhelmed, I can’t believe that people turned out like this and I can’t believe the thank you’s that I’m getting.”

• Date Taken: 04.23.2015
• Date Posted: 04.23.2015 20:27
• Story ID: 161070
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US
• Hometown: FISHERS, IN, US
• Hometown: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US
• Hometown: LAWRENCE, IN, US