Benson, Guye Raymond
Army Sergeant

Guye Raymond Benson, age 24, from Kemp, Texas, Kaufman county.

Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment

Date of death: Tuesday, March 21, 1967
Death details: Bronze Star Citation: For distinguishing himself by conspicuous heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 March 1967, Sergeant Benson was serving as Reconnaissance Sergeant with Company C, 2/35th Infantry, attached from C Battery 2/9th Artillery, on a search and destroy mission in the Plei Trap Valley. The company made contact with an estimated battalion-size enemy force and received intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Benson, realizing the need for supporting artillery fire, immediately rushed through the hostile fire in order to reach the company forward observer and aid him in calling-in artillery. When it became clear that radio contact could not be established, he moved into position and aggressively engaged the enemy. His intense and accurate fire forced the enemy to concentrate on his position. While successfully holding the enemy in check, he was mortally wounded. Sergeant Benson’s conspicuous and inspiring gallantry was instrumental in effectively repelling the hostile attack. His outstanding display of heroism and determination is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Unites States Army.
Cemetery: Shiloh Cemetery, Kemp

Source: National Archives, 35th Infantry Regiment Association