His wartime commanders and subordinates have said that John "Jack" Arthur Bender was the bravest man they ever knew. West Point's mission of producing leaders for the combat arms was well fulfilled with Jack's achievements. During his 30 years of active duty, he served with distinction and heroism. He had a 13-month combat tour in Korea and another 13-month combat tour in Viet Nam, both times earning a Silver Star for gallantry in action.

Jack was born and raised in Bremerton, WA. His father, a military medical officer, died when Jack was six, and he was raised by his mother and grandparents. Jack was an avid outdoorsman, spending most of his time fishing, hunting, hiking, and skiing, and was proud of his Eagle Scout Award.

After high school graduation in 1943, Jack enlisted in the Army and served in Europe until 1945, when he entered West Point. He was an outstanding cadet, excelling in boxing and wrestling.

At graduation, Jack was commissioned in the Infantry. At Ft. Riley, KS, for the Advanced Course, he met and courted Charlotte Gilliam. He won a bet with a classmate to be the first to date Charlotte and was so successful that, in March 1950, they married in the Infantry chapel at Ft. Benning.

Next, Jack was assigned as a platoon leader in the 1st Cavalry Division in South Korea. During the Korean War, his courage and actions under fire inspired everyone with whom he associated. He even made national news when he became the first American officer to lead his platoon across the 38th parallel. In addition to the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, Jack came home with fragments in his leg from a mortar shell, which landed six feet from him and killed three men under his command.

In August 1954, Jack received a master's degree in business from Syracuse University. While at Syracuse, son John, Jr., was born. As a new captain, Jack was assigned to Heidelberg, Germany, in a staff position to the Comptroller of the U.S. Army in Europe. A second son, Mark Eric, was born in Heidelberg. After two years, Jack became the company commander of a heavy mortar unit in Berlin.

He then spent a year at Ft. Benning, before being assigned to the Pentagon in the Office of the Comptroller of the Army. While at the Pentagon, daughter Wendy Lee was born.

The next assignment for the Benders was Naples, Italy, where Jack was aide to GEN Ward, Chief of Staff, Allied Forces Southern Europe. This was a very broadening experience requiring interaction with diplomatic and military leaders from all NATO countries. Son Matthew Ward was born in 1962. In 1963, MAJ Bender and family were at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, to attend CGSC, after which he was assigned as training officer for the 4th Infantry Division.

In 1965, Jack was promoted to lieutenant colonel and given command of 3rd Battalion, 22d Infantry, which was sent to Viet Nam in 1966. His greatest challenge came a year later at the Battle of Soui Tre, which occurred in connection with Operation Junction City. On 21 Mar 1967, the 3/22nd was defending Fire Base Gold, established and held by COL Jack Vessey's artillery battalion, playing the risky role of 'tethered goat.' The battle was the model for the final battle scenes in the movie "Platoon." In his book, Red Thunder Tropic Lightning, The World of a Combat Division in Vietnam, noted war historian Eric Bergerud wrote, "The largest, most frightening, and probably most violent of these bitter battles was the enemy attack on Fire Base Gold, sometimes called the Battle of Soui Tre. American battalion commanders in Viet Nam rarely woke to see their units facing oblivion. LTC Jack Bender, the Infantry commander at Fire Base Gold, was an exception."

Five hours after the start of the battle, at least 700 NVA had died, against only 38 Americans. Total NVA loss was projected to be in excess of 1000. LTC Jack Bender and COL Jack Vessey were personally awarded Silver Stars by General Westmoreland for their actions during that battle.

After Army War College and a promotion, COL Bender was assigned in 1970 as brigade commander, 172d Infantry Brigade (Independent) at Ft. Richardson, AK, in charge of all Army forces in Alaska. He loved that job and developed new training techniques, such as adventure training. The rebirth of the Iditarod dog sled race could not have occurred without the cooperation of the governor of Alaska and Jack's foresight in reopening the trail with his troops in the spring of 1972 as part of adventure training.

In summer 1972, Jack reported to the Pentagon as Chief of the Exercise Plans Branch of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During the Mideast wars of 1973, he was primarily responsible for war and contingency planning and explaining the same to members of Congress and the administration. For their contributions, Jack's office received a Presidential Commendation. Next, Jack was assigned as Director of Industrial Operations at Ft. Lewis, WA. After three years there, he retired in October 1977.

Jack and Charlotte built their dream home overlooking Puget Sound in Olympia, WA, only 30 miles from where he grew up. Jack and Charlotte engaged in volunteer work, gardening, fishing, and beach combing. Jack taught college-level courses to soldiers until 1995. In 1997, he began to suffer from a debilitating neurological disease, to which he succumbed in January 2000.

Charlotte said, "Jack set the highest standards for himself and his family and was an inspiration to all of us. His love for the military was great, and he was proud to have been a graduate of West Point. He lived by its motto, 'Duty, Honor, Country,' and I shall be eternally grateful to have been married to him for 49 years."

Submitted by his family and a classmate.

TAPS JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2004

Personal Eulogy