THE WALL OF FACES

Bob was my best friend. We flew together as teens ( I was already a pilot) We both loved flying and would talk airplanes for hours. We would double date, and sometimes just hang out. His Dad and mom always treated me as part of the family.
I joined the Army andI told him what was happening at training. I was in Advanced training in Ga when I got a letter from him telling me he had been excepted and had a start date for flight school…He was going to be a helicopter pilot too. ALL CAPS. $ days later, I was called down to my Tac officers office. The look on his face was not normal… he asked me if I knew a Robert Bennet, and I knew. I said yes and he informed me that it had been requested that I escort him home. It hit me hard. They told me that other arrangements had already been made, but they would change them if I did go.
The realization that I had just lost my best friend , hit me like a ten pound sledge hammer. I wept in sadness and within seconds went to extreme anger. I vowed that day that I would revenge his death as soon as I got to Nam…and I did. I just knew Bob was looking down on me,
Rest in Peace My Friend

Bob and I were good friends when we were with E Battery (Avn.) 82nd Artillery. Bird Dog (0-1) Fixed Wing Crew Chief. Came into our Unit 8.09.68. Killed on February 23, 1969 by an incoming Rocket, while on TDY to the 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) at Quan Loi in Binh Long Province. Bob was moving towards the outside bunker during incoming when he was hit by the rocket near the doorway of his hooch. Bob was killed instantly along with his other Brother Paul Tober. Bob's name can be found on The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Wash, D.C. Wall Panel 32 W, Line 089.

I knew both of Roberts Parents, met his mother who attended every Memorial and Veterans Day event at our local Vietnam Memorial. Both parent are now with Robert and they are at peace. Thank You for your service and Welcome Home, from a 9th Infantry Division combat veteran. 53 years is a long time, but to those of us that were in combat it is still like it was just yesterday!!! RIP

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Janet Wohlgemuth is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

Specialist Four Robert Lloyd Bennett, Served with Battery E, 82nd Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.