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| Water Bennett was killed in action leading his company in the attack on Government House on Ie Shima. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78838245/walter-bennett https://history.army.mil/books/wwii/okinawa/chapter7.html |
Walter Bennett never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on December 26, 1918 in South Carolina. His parents John and Myrl were born in England and South Carolina, respectively. His father died in 1939. Walter had an older brother and a younger sister. Walter graduated from Clemson University in 1941.
He enlisted in the army on June 20, 1941. He was selected to attend officer candidate school and advance to the rank of Captain.
Cpt. Bennett served as the Company Commander, Company H, 2nd Battalion, 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division (nicknamed "Statue of Liberty Division"). Cpt. Bennett first saw action in the Battle of Guam in July 1944. Next he participated in the Philippines campaign beginning at Ormoc Bay in December 1944.
Cpt. Bennett was awarded the Bronze Star for his action between December 16-22. As his heavy weapons company supported his battalion's attack, Cpt. Bennett expertly set up routes and positions and directed lines of fire, all while facing heavy enemy fire.
On April 1, 1945 American soldiers and marines began the costly effort to capture Okinawa, the last stop before a planned invasion of Japan. While other troops were assigned to attack the main island, Cpt. Bennett's regiment was assigned to capture the smaller surrounding islands.On April 16 the 77th ID landed on Ie Shima. Four days later the Americans had advanced to the strongest Japanese position on the island, Bloody Ridge. Cpt. Bennett was killed in action while leading his company against a fortified Japanese position, most likely the stronghold known as Government House.
His grave is at Sunnyside Cemetery in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Last year on this date I profiled Bataan Death March survivor and Japanese POW Eber Boden.. You can read about Eber here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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