World War II Honoree

A. L. Bennett, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Holdenville, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

AFTER VOLUNTEERING FOR ARMY SERVICE, ASSIGNED TO EASTERN KENTUCKY STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE, IN RICHMOND, KENTUCKY, IN THE ARMY SPECIALIZED TRAINING PROGRAM (ASTP). SAILED OVERSEAS WITH HIS UNIT FROM THE NEW YORK PORT OF EMBARKATION ON OCTOBER 14, 1944 AND ARRIVED AT THE PORT OF MARSEILLE, FRANCE ON OCTOBER 28, 1944. SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER AS STAFF SERGEANT AND PLATOON LEADER IN THE 19TH ARMORED INFANTRY BATTALION, 14TH ARMORED DIVISION. PARTICIPATED IN THE RHINELAND AND ARDENNES-ALSACE (BATTLE OF THE BULGE) CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED IN ACTION DURING THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. AWARDED THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, BRONZE STAR MEDAL, PURPLE HEART, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED WITH THE RANK OF STAFF SERGEANT AND ISSUED THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON.