Today our ride was dedicated in honor of:
Marine PFC Billy Joe Bennett, Age 19 of Chattanooga, TN.
KIA Sep. 2, 1967 Vietnam
Served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Billy J. Bennett (MCSN: 2327147), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with the Second Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 July 1967. Moving in support of a machine gun, Private First Class Bennett observed the enemy closing in, attempting to overrun the position and cut off a platoon which had been separated from the rest of the company. Private First Class Bennett began firing a heavy volume of rifle fire at the enemy moving toward his position. Painfully wounded in the arm by an enemy round during this attack, he continued his heavy firing and threw hand grenades, successfully beating back the enemy and allowing the separated platoon to rejoin the company. Several minutes later it was necessary for him and several Marines to rush across a clearing designated as a helicopter landing zone to establish a new base of fire against the enemy. In crossing this opening, one of the Marines fell to heavy fire and lay wounded in the clearing. Despite his own wounds and with utter disregard for his own life, Private First Class Bennett crawled out on his stomach one hundred yards to reach the wounded Marine, assisted in bringing him to safety, and cared for his wounds. By his dauntless courage, initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of his fellow Marine, Private First Class Bennett served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Billy is buried at Chattanooga Nat Cem, Chattanooga,TN.
Marine PFC Bennett is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Panel 25E, Line 81.
We had a great 14.38 Mile ride today. Our first stop was down town at the War Memorial Park where we read several names of our Fallen Brothers on the Memorial Wall. We then went out on Lantana where we seen several geese. It was a beautiful day for a ride. We then headed for the American Legion where we had a meeting . After the meeting we made a stop or two down town before heading home. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 12 honks today. Thank you.
Marine PFC Billy Joe Bennett will not be forgotten !
