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Veterans Funeral Care Willard Bennett Jr.
Will was born in
Col. Bennett’s military awards and decorations include: The Silver Star, Legion of Merit (2), Distinguished Flying Cross (4), Army Commendation Medal (3), The Bronze Star and Air Medal (42).
Bennett and his wife, Vonnie, lived in
Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 30, 2009 at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral,
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Although Will and I never served together while on active duty. I did know of him. Not until we were brought together in the Army Otter Caribou Association did I find out that all of the good things I had heard of him were absoulutely true. He was an outstanding Office and Gentleman who will be sorely missed by the many friends whose lives he touched. My deepest sympathy to all of the family.
A man of courage and leader of men. A true aviator and good fellow.
Col. Bennett was a hero in every sense of the word. While I only knew him for a short time, his character and the way he lived life has always been an inspiration to me. Besides, anyone who can do a flying dock start well into middle age is all right with me. My love to Vonnie, Lori and Scott.
Freddy
Will and I graduated from Colorado A&M in 1953 (me in Dec). I knew on him but that was it. He was very active in ROTC and showed his leadership early on.His military accomplishments and his family values are inspirational. An example that would make anyone proud.
May our Good Lord’s grace and mercy comfort family and friendswith his blessings.
Will was truly a great QB and a good fellow. I enjoyed his fellowship during QB meetings and rounds of golf. Unfortunately I never had the privilege of hearing his Vietnam experiences, and I feel that is a sad loss. He had told me how he appreciated the C-130 and the crews during his service in Vietnam. Coming from a person with his credentials that made me feel great as an Vietnam era C-130 pilot.I will always remember him as a kind, respectful, and humble person. He is a person that I will always look up to. My deepest sympathy to the family for their loss.
The Lutz Patriots of Lutz, Fla., offer our deepest sympathies in the loss of Col. Bennett. His service to our Country will be forever appreciated.
I served with then Major Bennett in 1965-66 C229 AHB. We flew on many sorties during this period. He was a great leader and mentor. He will be missed.
I served with then Major Bennett in 1965-66 C229 AHB. We flew on many sorties during this period. He was a great leader and mentor. He will be missed.
My name is John Ascani, and words will never, ever be adaquate in expressing my heart felt sorrow at learning of the death of Colonel Bennett.
I was honored to have spent the year with him at An Khe during 1965-66. His call sign was Axle Six, and I was Axle Six Sierra, his Flight Operation Specialist. We spent many nights chatting around the radio in the operations tent as he put together the missions for the following day. He never quit working even after flying all day.
I was also very honored to have been one of the volunteers who flew with him into the Ia Drang Valley the night he saved all those wounded Infantry Men, and was later awarded the Silver Star!
Willard was truly a Soldier’s Soldier in every respect. There are just a handfull of men on the earth who achieve the kind of respect he did simply by being himself.
At that time my father was the Vice Commander of the 5th Air Force, and he would send us boxes of small tape recorders so that the troops could more intimately communicate with their families. I can still see that wonderful sparkle in his eyes when we gave him his two.
My father General Fred J. Ascani, just passed away this March as well so learning of Colonel Bennett’s passing is very troubling to me.
I would like to express my deepest and most sincere sympathy to all the members of the Bennett family, and know in your hearts that God indeed graced you with one of his finest creations. I am confident that where ever Axle Six is now he is once again a Soul among Souls!
With Utmost Respect and Admiration,
John F. Ascani
Littleton, Colorado
I’m a UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot in the Army, and am currently in a leadership course. I’m writing my final case study paper on the Battle in the Ia Drang Valley. I never knew Col Bennett, I truly wish I had that honor, but his tales of heroism, leadership and guts continue to help shape young Pilots such as myself. I am sincerely grateful to him, and all of the other Pilots who flew with him, for the ground they paved for US Army Aviation today. Thank You, Gentlemen.
I just found this site and had to add to it. I first met Will in kindergarten at Remington School in Fort Collins where we became friends and played in the “band.” He missed our final performance because of a trip with his parents to California. I remember asking his mother to “please let him stay.” I knew him all the way through high school and college. We dated in high school and he was always a gentleman. He and Tom Irvin where good friends and also competitors on the swim team. I eventually married Tom, who also joined the military and became a Second Lieutenant. Unfortunately, Tom died very young. Will and I enjoyed many visits at reunions and trips to Florida. Will was always one of the “good guys.” I was very aware of his extraordinary heroism during Vietnam War although he seldom talked about it. I am happy I had the opportunity to grow up with with such a great man. His family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Vonnie was a brave lady to be the wife of such a courageous flyer. We are all proud of Will.
Then Maj. Bennett was the C Company 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion CO (Axle 6) when I arrived at An Khe in March 1966. Hi regard and respect for him. We would follow him anywhere in our Hueys. Last visited him and Vonnie before his death at a reunion in Branson, MO. Glad I found the time to attend.