World War II Honoree

Benjamin W. Hawes

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Owensboro, Kentucky

Honored By

Benjamin W. Hawes, Jr.

Relationship

Son

U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY GRADUATE, CLASS OF 1935. AFTER GRADUATING THE ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF SCHOOL IN 1943, WAS ASSIGNED A G-3 (PLANNING) STAFF POSITION AT ALLIED FORCES HEADQUARTERS IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. IN LATE 1944, WAS GIVEN COMMAND OF THE 3RD BATTALION, 141ST REGIMENT, 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION IN SOUTHERN FRANCE. THERE HE WAS WOUNDED IN ACTION, CARRYING A PREVIOUSLY WOUNDED SOLDIER OUT OF A LAND MINE FIELD. LOST LOWER PORTION OF ONE LEG AND WAS MEDICALLY RETIRED AS A COLONEL AFTER STATESIDE REHABILITATION IN 1947. AWARDS AND DECORATIONS INCLUDE TWO BRONZE STARS WITH V (VALOR) DEVICES, THE PURPLE HEART AND THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE.