Benjamin joined the US Army on November 25, 1940 at the age of 18. He was at Camp Bowie Texas on Sunday December 7, 1941. Actually he was watching a movie that Sunday afternoon near the base. Around 2:30PM the lights came on during the film, and the manager walked out on stage. He announced that all military personnel should return to base.
Benjamin was a member of the 142nd Infantry, 36th Division also known as The Texas Division. He participated in action in North Africa, Italy, Southern France, the Alsace Loraine area of France, the Rhineland in Germany, and the Austrian Alps.
He was a Staff Sergeant, battalion S-4 responsible for supplying five companies with food, weapons, ammunition and clothing.
Some of Benjamin’s most memorable experiences included landing in the second wave in the invasion of Salerno Italy, the first wave in the invasion of Southern France, the liberation of Rome at midnight June 4, 1944, and the attack behind German lines at Valletri, Italy.
Benjamin has said that his experience during WWII caused him to grow up to become a mature young man.
He was awarded the Good Conduct, and American Defense Medals. He also received the EAME Campaign Medal with five bronze stars. The Bronze Star Medal, the 36th Infantry Medal, and the Non-Combat Medal for Outstanding Service.
Benjamin was discharged on June 28, 1945.
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