Family of Garret Bennett, born 1801, Peru, Clinton County, New York. Was killed in a hunting accident/murder. Found dead in the woods. Worked as a farmer on his own farms in both Clinton and Franklin counties. Garret was also a professional hunter providing wild meat to Upstate New York resorts in the Paul Smith’s area.
Garret wed to: Orpah Jeffers, born 1803, New York or Vt., who died between 1850 – 1860. Worked in a Vermont woolen mill before marriage.
Children: All born in Peru, New York
1. Jefferson, born 1827. Worked as a teamster, a farmer, and a farm laborer. Apparently he never married and is listed as head of the household by the 1860 census. He eventually lived with the Hialman Bennetts in his later years.
2. Justice – Jack _ b. 1829. Worked as a Collier (coal miner). Wed to Lucretia Jackson, b. 1832 in New York. Twin sister of Emerick’s wife, Lucia Jackson Bennett. Jack ran a logging camp in the AdarondacMountains. Emerick and son, Elmer Cortis, worked there during the winters.
A. German, born 1855. Was nicknamed “Germ” before they knew about the bug.
B. William, born 1857
C. Sidny, born 1860, nicknamed “Sid”.
D. Addie, born 1864, Assisted Elmer Cortis Bennett after his wife died in 1898 in Ada, Minnesota and left Elmer with three young motherless children. Her kindness made such an impression on young Gertrude, that she named her second daughter, Addie Smith (Wold) after her Aunt Addie.
E. Atwood, born 1856. The 1870 census of FranklinCounty shows Atwood living with the Emerick Bennetts.
F. Lucretia, born 1867
3. Orpah Durlusky (Lecky), born 1832
4. Hialman, born 1834. Worked as a laborer, by the age of 45 he was a tanner. Wed. to Luch Ann, who was born in Vermont.
A. Jefford D., born 1857
B. Charles H, born
C. Emma V., born 1860. By age 20 she was working as a servant girl.
D. James G., born 1873. Became a farm laborer in his teens
E. Lester E., born 1866. “Helps around”.
F. Corrie L., born 1868
G. male, born 1873
H. Lana, born 1877
I. Elmer, born June 1880.
5. Emerick, (Em) Bennett, born March 1, 1838. Was working as a collier (coal miner) when he volunteered for the Civil War in 1862. Died January 30, 1930, in Burke, New York. Burial: BurkeCenter, New York.
Wed to: Lucia Jackson, born in 1840 in Clinton County, New York. Licia is the twon sister of Jack’s wife, Lucretia. Married March 12, 1857 in Peru, New York. Died May, 1908. Her father was born in England. Her mother’s ancestors were Dutch settlers of New York.
Children:
A. Elmer Cortis Bennett, b. January 20, 1860. Died April 22, 1912, Ellensburg, Washinginton. Wed: Ida Cora Call, born June 18, 1866, in New York. Died November 23, 1898 in Ada, Minnesota. Ida’s parents were William Call and Julia Jackson, sister of Luci Jackson. Married in Ada, Minnesota in 1883.
Remarried: Dora DeLair Patterson, a widow, October 1904 in Alberta, Canada.
Children:
1. Gertrude May Bennett, born November 8, 1885 in Ada, Minnesota. Died, Feb. 4, 1981. Wed: to Aaron Victor Smith, born November 21, 1876, Marshall County, Kansas. Died June 26, 1857, in Kalispell, Montana. Married: March 29, 1905 in Alberta, Canada.
2. Winifred (Winnie) Grace Bennett, born July 10, 1894 in Ada, Minnesota. Died March 29, 1964 in Ontario, California. Wed to: John Frizel, born October 30, 1888, Greenfield, Iowa. Died: November 11, 1949, Los Angeles, California. Winnie had left home and went to live with her former step brother-in-law upon the remarriage of her father to Dora Patterson and the subsequent arrival of her step-sister Ellie Deacon and her kids. John and Winnie were married in Durango, Colorado, December 14, 1912.
Child:
1. Jewel Elaine Frizel, born: May 27, 1917, Durango, Colorado. Died March 6, 1977, Los Angles, California. Wed to: John M. Leavitt, born February 27, 1913 in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. Died March 25, 1978. Married on February 14, 1939, in Santa Anna, California.
Child:
a. Judith Ann ((Winann) Frizel, born, February 13, 1942. Wed to: James Jewel Patterson, born April 19, 1941. Married December December 30, 1960 in Chino, California.
1. James John Patterson, born March 8, 1962, in Topeka, Kansas.
2. Ann Elizabeth Patterson, born June 3, 1963, Upland, California
3. Robert Daniel Patterson, born April 1, 1968, Tacoma, Washington
4. Wendy Elaine Patterson, June 1, 1972, Medford, Oregon
5. John M. Leavitt Patterson, born May 4, 1976, Medford, Oregon
3. Chester Oscar Bennet, b. November 6, 1892, Ada, Minnesota, d. Nov. 27, 1942. War casualty in a POW camp in the Philippines, Burial date May 13, 1949. age 50 at death. Was listed in the Alberta, Canada as a Methodist.
Bonnie Adelaide. Bennett, b. September 12, 1892, Vassar, Michigan, Date of death Dec. 24, 1978, Burial date Dec. 26, 1978. Age 86, ThornhillValley Mortuary
Chester and Bonnie were married, June 22, 1919 in Spokane, Washington. They had no children.
4. Baby – Died Nov. 14, 1898
The baby boy was placed in his dead mother’s arms for eternity. Both died and were buried in Ada, Minnesota. The mother died eleven days after her little baby boy.
B. Orpha Bennett, born April 3, 1862. The two girls married brothers named Harris.
C. Leslie G. Bennett, born September 15, 1867. There were three children born to this union, one boy and two girls.
D. Jefferson D. Bennett, born October 13, 1869. Jefferson and his wife Alice lived in Burke, New York. Alice wrote a letter in support of Emerick’s application for a Civil War pension. They had one daughter who married Leslie’s only boy.
E. Celia S. Bennett, born January 2, 1879. One of the two girls who married a brother named Harris.
7. Celia Bennett, born 1872. Became a housekeeper by 1860, apparently after her parents’ death.
8. Silas Bennett, born 1844, worked as a farm laborer
9. Carter Bennett, born 1843, worked as a farm laborer
10. Corter Bennett, born about 1860. Listed only on the 1860 census.
The story of Chester & Bonnie Bennett’s life:
Bennett Photos at: https://picasaweb.google.com/114431897981658921755/ChesterBonnieBennettSAlbum#
https://picasaweb.google.com/114431897981658921755/BennettPhotos
Captian Chester Oscar Bennett – history (1892 – 1942)
Chester Oscar Bennett, born – November 6, 1892, Ada, Minnesota, died November 27, 1942. A war casualty in a POW camp in the Philippines, Burial date May 13, 1949. age 50 at death. Was listed in the Alberta, Canada census as a Methodist.
1904 – 1916 Completed 8th grade – eventually earning a GED by attending night school. Worked as a Farmer and railroad brakeman before entering the service.
Married Bonnie Adelaide. Bennett, born. September 12, 1892, in Vassar, Michigan, Date of death December 24, 1978, Burial date Dec. 26,1978. Age 86, ThornhillValley Mortuary
Chester and Bonnie were married, June 22, 1919 in Spokane, Washington. They had no children.
Bonnie was the eldest child of Mary Jane and Elmer William and sister of Charlotte Maria Bennett. Chester was the stepson of Dora Bennett (parents: Ida Cora Call and Elmer Cortis Bennett) Chester had two sisters: Winnefred (Frizell) and Gertrude Bennett Smith. Aunt Bonnie and Chester met when he came to Spokane from Ellensburg for induction into the Army.
While Chester was in France Aunt bonnie became seriously ill and underwent a hysterectomy. When Uncle Chester returned from France he was assigned to the Army Recruiting Office, Spokane, they were married June 21, 1919.
Chester enlisted in the U.S. Army at Ft. George Wright, Washington, February 24, 1917. Age 24 years.
Was assigned to the 3 CoC A C Puget Sound, Ft. Worden, Washington to May 20, 1918. Battery B 69 Artillery C A C February 27, 1919; 7 Company C A C Puget Sound, Ft. Worden, Washington to Discharge.
From February 24, 1917 to December 21, 1917 listed as sick.
April 17, 1919 – Pvt/cl Chester Bennett requests to be transferred to recruiting duty in Spokane, Washington. “This transfer would permit me to attend night school in that city thereby fitting myself for a position after discharge, a material benefit to me. (Uncle Chester had only completed 8th grade. He did eventually earn his GED by going to night school.)
Served overseas: August 15, 1918 to February 18, 1919. Then apparently he is reduced to Private First Class May 30, 1919 until discharge.
February 20, 1919 – Chester Bennett arrives safely back to his base in Virginia. He is with the 69th coast artillery.
The 69th Artillery, C.A.C. was formed in May of 1918 from the Coast Defenses of Puget Sound, Washington at Ft.Worden. In August of 1918 the Regiment was moved to Camp Mills, NY in preparation to sailing to France. On August 15th 1918 the Regiment moved to Port of Embarkation Philadelphia and sailed where they arrived 31 August 1918 in France. While in France the 69th was stationed at O&T Center No. 1 (Operations and Training), Libourne, France. The 69th was one regiment of the 36th Brigade C.A.C. The Regiment was assigned to the American 5-inch Seacoast Gun. These guns were removed from fixed emplacements in the United States and placed on special mobile mounts for use in France. Twenty-six of these units had been assembled and sent to France. The regiment trained five months in Libourne with the new 5-inch seacoast guns, for which they had no ammunition, and did not get to the Front at all. The Regiment left Pauillac, France on 3 February 1919 and arrived at Newport News, VA on 18 February 1919 and went to Camp Stuart and then to and Camp Eustis, Virginia where they were demobilized.
Honorably discharged: July 8, 1920; abolishment of R.A. Reserve
Residence: Ellensburg, Washington
Enlisted in R A at Ft.George Wright, Washington, February 24, 1917. Born in Ada, Minn, age 24 3/12 years
Organization 3 CoC A C Puget Sound, Ft. Worden, Washington May 20, 1918; Btry B 69 Arty C A C to February 27, 1917; 7 Co CAC Puget
Grades: Pvt 1c1 April 10, 1917, Pvt 1c1 May 30 1917.
Served overseas: August 15, 1918 to February 18, 1919
May 19, 1919 – Corporal Chester Bennett transferred to grade of Private 1st Class to General Service Infantry and is directed to report to the Recruiting Officer in Spokane, Washington for duty.
Honorably disch. July 8, 1920; Abolishment of RA Reserve.
July 26, 1920 Reenters the U.S. Army – until March 31, 1940 when he became a warrant officer.
February 28, 1921 – Cpl. Bennett requests a three month furlough because he wants to go home to put in a spring crop on his farm. “I have sufficient funds to defray my expenses…”
April 11, 1921 – Cpl. Bennett is denied an opportunity to sit for an examination to increase his grade. The Army felt that he did not have the proper preparation or education for the advancement.
November 17, 1923 – Cpl. Bennett formally fills out an application for advancement to 2nd Lt. On his application he writes that he is best qualified for “any duty where a knowledge of Army paper work is required.”
January 4, 1924 – Chester Bennett applies for advancement to 2nd Lt. The examination board reports that he “has good military bearing”, and passes him all on counts.
March 17, 1925 – Chester Bennett applies for appointment as a 2nd Lt. in the Coast Artillery Corps Reserve.
March 19, 1925 – Transfer of patient, Chester Bennet, from Fort George Wright, Washington – Special orders – will proceed to Letterman General Hospital, Presidio of San Francisco, California and report upon arrival to the Commanding Officer there at for observation and treatment. Sergeant Chester Bennett was suffering from scar tissue build up from a previous appendix operation, constricting his digestive tract.
April 15, 1925 – Was first approved for advancement to 2nd Lt, in the Adjutant General’ s Officer’s Corp. The offer is rescinded because of a large surplus of officers.
Appointed to recruiting station in Spokane to be near his stepmother and wife’s family. Date unsure.
During the period that Uncle Chester was stationed in Spoken in the 30s, he was a master sergeant in charge of Army Recruiting with offices in the Ziegler Building. Outside the duty hours he was deeply interested in mining and prospected with an electronic detector which he constructed in his home shop up on Glass Avenue, Spokane. He and his good friend J. Richard Brown had considerable interest in the Deer Trail Monitor mlybdienum mine in Stevens County and were members of the Northwest Mining Association.
Dick Brown was a Communist or pro-Communist and Uncle Chester had leanings in that direction as was the popular concepts of those in Government service during the 30s. How this synchronized with the Free Enterprise thrust of his mining interests is difficult to conceive. It is ironic that he and fellow American soldiers and civilians were sacrificed by our political and military leaders while concentrating on the rescue of the USSR which refused to allow our operations against Japan on their soil because of the Russo-Japanese non-aggression pact.
The revised National Defense Act held promise of providing the United States with a reasonable military posture. But in practice, it turned out to be pure blue sky. In the ensuing years, Congress adamantly and consistently refused to give either the Army, the Reserves or the National Guard anywhere near reasonable support. Only one year after amending the Act, in 1921, Congress slashed the Regular Army by almost half, to 150,000 men, forcing one thousand qualified officers to resign. As the Roaring Twenties blew on, and a pacifist devil-may-care mood seized the country, Congress relentlessly whittled away at the Regular Army. Its average strenth in the years 1922 to 1929 was 137,300 officers and men. All attempts to maintain a viable enlisted Reserve failed because there was no draft or universal military training program to fill and sustain it. Similarly, Congress whacked away at the National Guard until it was barely able to maintain half its 435,000-man authorized strength. In sum, in the 1920s, we reverted to an absurdly inadequate Army attempting to scrape by in a nation that had grown hostile to anything “militaristic.”
The above was taken from Omar Bradley’s biography and illustrates the difficulty of staying in the Army. Uncle Chester went into peacetime with the rate of corporal. Most servicemen received temporary ranks or commissions during the war which were reduced to permanent ranks or rates at the end of hostilities encouraging many to leave the various services. I don’t know what Uncle Chester’s wartime rate was, but the fact that he had risen to Warrant Officer by the mid thirties indicates his value and proficiency in the Army.
Elmer Bennett Smith graduated from Belmont High** of Los Angeles in 1932
His math teacher wanted Dad (top in the class) to attend Cal Tech. But Dad had his mind set on attending forestry school in Idaho. Bert Norman, a friend from his tumbling class, and Dad had read a brochure about forestry careers and the school in Moscow was rated as one of the best.
Of course, if Grandpa had gone to CalTech, none of us would be here — but don’t you wish he’d availed himself of the opportunity? He would have been a great engineer. Ken Smith – grandson – August 26, 2008
Dad had a bit of money saved up from his lawn mowing jobs and from building houses during the summer in Laguna Beach. Dad and Bert bought Uncle Lee’s “puddle jumper”, (so named because it had been made into a short pickup) for $25. They set out in June of 1932 traveling up the old Pacific Hwy, now Hwy. 99. None of the roads were paved, but Dad said since there was little traffic they did not have to worry about dust. The little car was open. They did not seem to have any problem finding petrol. Bert and Dad drove right past the little farm in Phoenix (4758 South Pacific Hwy.) where Dad and Mother would return in 1946 to purchase 8 acres and raise their twin boys.
After reaching Eugene, Dad and Bert turned east to Bend, and then across Oregon to Moscow. Camped along the way. Everything was dead. Nothing seemed to be happening in so many of the small towns that they passed through. The lumber mills were closed. People were sitting around, in the shade, killing time.
They picked up odd jobs along the way. One time they spotted a Bing cherry tree loaded with cherries, but they were not being picked because there was no market for the fruit. Dad remembers that the house was a long way from the road. So he stopped and began to fill a bucket. He dropped one bucket, after filling it with cherries, and the milling pigs ate up the fruits of his labor. He still remembers how good the free fruit tasted to the two very hungry travelers.
Elmer and Bert arrive in Moscow, Idaho in July 1932.
The recruiting brochure had promised Forest Service jobs while going to school, but the Federal money had dried up. The only jobs that were available were for board and room and cigarettes, but no money. And these jobs were only seasonal. Elmer and Bert could not go to school without jobs.
So Dad and Bert went to work in the pea fields pulling “rogue” pea vines. Rows of guys, side by side, walked through the fields pulling vines. They then moved on and picked fruit. Dad and Bert camped right in the orchards where they were employed.
One day Dad decided to drive over to Spokane to look up his Uncle Chester Oscar Bennett who lived in Opportunity, Washington (Grandma Gertrude Smith’s brother, the one who died in 1942 in a Bataan Japanese Prison Camp). Maybe he would help them. Uncle Chester was an Army warrant officer working as a recruiter. The guys were surprised to learn that Uncle Chester had been transferred to Seattle. So Dad looked up the daughter of the sister to his Gmpa Rev. Elias Smith. (The lady who had taken in Aunt Ethel for a short time.) Edith Smith Stewart, Grampa Aaron’s cousin.
They visited for a bit. She invited them to dinner, but Dad did not want to put her out, so the two starving guys left and went back to their camp in an orchard. Bert was really mad because Dad had passed up an opportunity for a free dinner. The next morning they left for Missoula, Montana. By now the two had decided to split up. Bert wanted to go back to his family in Chillicothe, Missouri. Dad bought out Bert’s half interest in the car for $12.50 with a promise to send the money later; which he did. Dad took Bert down to the railroad where he jumped a freight train heading east, just like thousands of other men. Dad went to the employment office to look for work, but the only jobs available were farm jobs and then only for board and room and all the cigarettes one could smoke.
July 20, 1935 – July 23, 1936 – Exc. – Tech Sgt.
May 19, 1935 – C.O. Bennett submits a travel claim “for quarters while on travel status.”
October 10, 1935 – O.C. Bennett makes application for an appointment as a Warrant Officer.
July 25, 1938- To become a warrant officer exams had to be taken.
Written Technical – 91.5%
Oral Technical – passed
Practical technical – passed
Arithmetic – 80%
U.S. History – 90%
English compostion and Grammar – 81%
Administration and Army Regulations – 80%
Not too bad for someone who only graduated from 8th grade.
Moving to Southern California and Uncle Chet Bennett.
Written by Ruby Smith, June 18, 2001 –
I was just thinking about this today. Re: Uncle Chet, Grandma Smith’s brother. It was either the very end of August or the first part of September in 1939 when we left Kalispell to move to L.A. Your dad was registered for classes at California Flyers.
So we stopped in Spokane and spent Sunday night with Uncle Jim Rasmussen and then on Monday we looked up Uncle Chet. He was in his office in a government building where he worked as a warrant officer. We visited with him for a while–didn’t see Aunt Bonnie–his wife–and then we headed south to begin our new life in southern California.
Then in the spring of 1940 Aunt Winnie (Grandma Smith’s sister) told us Chet would be coming south. And would be leaving for the Philippines. Your dad alerted Harland and Harland called Chet and asked if he could ride south with him. I don’t remember what month it was, but they appeared at our apartment door in Santa Monica. I was quite pregnant with you guys. Cet said something about the “change of climate must have had something to do with this.” So Harland stayed with us until his mother moved down in 1942. Chet spent about a week with his sister Winnie and then he headed for the Philippines and was killed in 1942. He is buried in Spokane. Did you ever hear this before? I hadn’t thought of it for a long time. gg.
Uncle Harland went to work for Douglas Aircraft and worked for only a short time before he enlisted in the Army Air corps in 1942 at the age of 22. Grandma and the girls moved from Montana to Culver City after the bank deferred his house payments while he was in the service. The bank wanted a lump sum after the War, so Uncle Harland was forced to sell the house.
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In the summer of 1940 Uncle Chester was transferred to the Philippines where he was a subordinate of Col. Charles A. Willoughby (later Major General) who was General MacArthur’s G-2 (Army Intelligence).
Bonnie and Chester Bennett lived within the walls of the Old Spanish city in Manila. Intramuros, Manila’s old walled city, built during 333 years of Spanish occupation is now one of most popular tourist venues. Nearly destroyed during World War II (it was the base of operations for the Japanese occupying forces)
it remains today a testimony to both the horror of war, centuries of occupation by foreign forces (Spanish and American) and the victories and strength of the Filipino people.
Photo caption written by Bonnie of their Manila house: Our home on the second floor. Our bed sets across the corner shown here so that we get the breeze from the windows on the two sides.
Photo caption written by Bonnie on a photo of half naked African Negroids: These Negritos taken at Ft. Stotsenburg are dessed the way everyone should dress in this climate. An African Negroid type. They are not considered smart, but they are much smarter than we are in the matter of clothing. (The U.S. Army was dressing in wool uniforms.)
(FortStotsenburg is situated at Barrio Sapang Bato in AngelesCity and is approximately 50 miles north of Manila. This was one of the locations where, under the National Defense Act of 1935, coastal artillery training was conducted. It was named after Colonel John M. Stotsenburg, a Captain of the Sixth U.S. Cavalry, and a Colonel of the First Nebraska Volunteers who was killed while leading his regiment in action near Quingua, Bulacan, the Philippines on April 23, 1899.)
Aunt Bonnie had accompanied Uncle Chester to the Philippines, but returned along with most of the army dependents in October of 1941. After Pearl Harbor he was assigned to lead an element of the II Philippine Corps as a 1st Lt. December 16, 1941 during the Battle of Bataan.
April 1, 1940 – Appointment as Warrant Officer by radiogram. He was relieved of his duties at the recruiting station in Spokane.
June 28, 1940 – Warrant Officer Chester and Bonnie Bennett left San Francisco aboard the U.S. Grant, via Honolulu and Guam.
July 21, 1940 – Warrant Officer Chester and Bonnie Bennett arrive Manila, the Philippines
USS U. S. Grant (AP-29) was a transport ship that saw service with the United States Navy in World War II. Originally a German ocean liner named Konig Wilhelm II, she was seized by the United States during the First World War and renamed USS Madawaska (ID 3011) in 1917 before being renamed USS U. S. Grant (AP-29) in 1922.
For almost two decades, U. S. Grant soldiered on in the Army Transport Service, maintaining a regular schedule of voyages carrying troops, passengers, and supplies along a route which included calls at San Francisco, California; Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii; Guam; Manila, Philippine Islands; Chinwangtao and Shanghai, China; the Panama Canal Zone, and New York. For many of these years of service in the Pacific, U. S. Grant served as the sole source of refrigerated stores from the United States. Her periodic arrivals at Apra Harbor invariably produced a temporary improvement in the diet of Americans living in Guam.
On 14 November 1945, the transport was decommissioned and returned to the War Department. Her name was struck from the Navy List on 28 November. Turned over to the Maritime Commission, the erstwhile transport and veteran of two world wars was sold to the Boston Metals Company, on 24 February 1948 for scrapping.
February 20, 1941 – June 30 1941 – Efficiency Report for Warrant Officer Chester O. Bennett. “Manner of Perfornance” – “Superior” as an administrator and executive and in general clerical duties.
October 23, 1941 – Radiogram – Received at the War Department Message Center Munitions Bldg, WashingtonD.C., Most practical date for Warrant Officer Chester O Bennett- to depart from Manila for US will ber on USAT Taft December 13, due to retirement – Request his replacement on first available transport.
USAT Taft – Built 1921 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Co., Sparrows Point, Baltimore, Maryland. Passengers: 846, Operated by the Matson Line from June 1921 to March 1922, Transferred to Pacific Mail Steamship Co. June 26, 1922 and renamed President Taft. Taken over by the Army June 1941. Converted to a troop transport and renamed WILLARD A. HOLBROOK in September 1941. Conversion to a hospital ship was commenced at Mobile, Alabama in March 1943, and the ship tentatively renamed ARMIN W. LEUSCHNER. Work was discontinued with the coming of V-J day and the name WILLARD A. HOLBROOK restored. Vessel proceeded to New York and converted to a military dependent carrier by Todd Shipyard. Remained in this service until the summer of 1946. Sold for scrapping October 29, 1957.
December 1, 1941 – Orders issued relieving Warrant Officer Chester O. Bennett from assignment and duty Philippine Department and assigned him to ninth corps area pending retirement.
The nine corps areas, had responsibilities for providing peacetime administrative and logistical support to the army’s mobile units. In addition, the corps areas took on the responsibilities for post and installation support units. Corps areas had the added responsibility for planning and implementing mobilization plans for all Regular Army, National Guard, and Organized Reserve mobile units in their respective geographic areas; the development and administration of hundreds of new Organized Reserve and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) units; and managing the personnel records for thousands of Reserve officers, enlisted personnel, ROTC cadets, and Citizens Military Training Camp (CMTC) candidates.
December 1, 1941 – Warrant Officer Bennett writes to Headquarters Philippine Department – Office of the Department Commander “It is requested that I be retired from active duty effective April 1, 1942.”
December 8, 1941 – After a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese swarmed onto the Philippine archipelago with 200,000 troops. They captured Manilla on Jan. 2, 1942, but then met stiff resistance from American and Philippine troops. Gen. Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines in March, leaving Lt. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright in charge of the Bataan defenders. Following months of food and medical shortages, Bataan fell on April 9.
60,000 American prisoners force-marched 70 miles to prison camps on the BataanPeninsula in the spring of 1942. Some 10,000 of those prisoners perished from hunger, heat, exhaustion and brutality before the war ended.
“The Japanese were under a great deal of pressure from their higher-ups to get these men out of there so they could advance on Corregidor.”
(Mail Tribune – April 9, 2012)
December 16, 1941 Commissioned as a First Lt. until July 9, 1943
December 17, 1941 – from Commanding General, Philippine Department, Manila PI – WD orders assigning Warrant Officer Chester O. Bennett to Ninth Corps Area pending retirement revoked. Action on retirement suspended. Officer will confirm in writing.
December 17, 1941 – the orders saying that Warrant Officer Chester Bennett (Junior Grade) is relieved of duties in the Philippine Department and assigning him to Headquarters, Ninth Corps Area, Presidio, pending retirement, is revoked.
December 15, 1941 – appointed 1st Lt. by radio from Commanding General, United States Army Forces in the Far East.
December 16, 1941 – Lt Bennett takes his Oath of Office as a (Temporary) Lieutenant
April 1, 1940, Chester is appointed a warrant officer and is relieved of his duties at the Spokane recruitment center and assigned to duty with the Adjutant General’s Department, Philippines Department. “He will proceed at the proper time to San Francisco and sail on the transport scheduled for on or about June 27, 1940.
A warrant officer (WO) is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission. Warrant officers can and do command detachments, units, activities, vessels, aircraft, and armored vehicles as well as lead, coach, train, and counsel subordinates. However, the Warrant Officer’s primary task as a leader is to serve as a technical expert, providing valuable skills, guidance, and expertise to commanders and organizations in their particular field.
After his initial Spokane assignment he was transferred to the Presidio, San Francisco, where Granma and Aunt Ruth visited Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Chester. Later he was stationed at Fort Lawton where I spent a year or so with Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Chester during Dad’s trouble arising from the folding of the Opportunity State Bank. Eventually he was again stationed in Spokane for a number of years before he and Aunt Bonnie were transferred to the Philippines.
Written by: Bernard Eugene Shureman, Bonnie Bennett’s nephew. His mother, Charlotte “Lottie” Marie Bennett Schureman, was Bonnie’s sister. Uncle Chester was the positive male role model for Bernard while growing up. Bernard lived with Bonnie and Chester for about two years while they were stationed at Fort Lawton in Seattle
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December 8, 1941 – The Philippines attacked by the Japanese – December 8, 1941
December 13, 1941Officer Bennett date set for return to the US by Transport. (Official retirement date is set for March 31, 1942 (This is based on a memo issued on October 24, 1941.)
Sgt. Bennett is promoted from the rank of warrant officer to First Lieutenant on December 16, 1941 – 8 days after the attack on the Philippine Islands.
On December 29, 1941 Lt. Bennett is assigned to duty with Provost Marshall, II Philippine Corps
Retreating from the Japanese beachhead of Lingayen Gulf, Allied forces withdraw onto the BataanPeninsula and Corregidor by January 1942, where they defend the entrance to ManilaBay.
January 31, 1942 – Total time in the service – 24 years, 10 months and 3 days. Over 25 years at the time of his death.
Later, February 26, 1942, Chester was transferred to HQ 41st Division of the Philippine Army, promoted to captain. Replacing A Major Frasier at which duty he continued until April 9, 1942. When the Bataan forces were surrendered. Uncle Chester endured the infamous death march, but eventually succumbed to dysentery at Camp #1 Cabanatuan, P.I. November 27, 1942.
After Aunt Bonnie returned from the Philippines, she was a telephone operator (she and Aunt Ruth had been operators for a number of years at the Opportunity Telephone Office) at Fort George Wright, Spokane. She became acquainted with the Jehovah Witness through a classmate of mine, Bram Trueman, whose father was an Army Major. Her sorrow was gradually redirected by the pacifist elements of the J.W.s and she became convinced that Uncle Chester, as a career Army man lived by the sword and therefore died by the sword, ignoring the history of peace keeping activities of our military services. Due to this attitude, very little of Uncle Chester’s life was passed down to us.
On February 26, 1942 Lt. Bennett is ordered to Headquarters 41st Division P.A. (Public Affairs) as a replacement for Major Fraser who had been killed in action.
April 7, 1942 – according to official Japanese records Chester Bennett was captured on April 7th. (Showa 17, on the Japanese calendar.)
On April 9, 1942 – the 70,000 troops on Bataan surrender.
On May 6, CorregidorIsland, in the middle of ManilaBay, surrenders after months of relentless Japanese bombing.
Lt. Chester Bennett is captured by the Japanese and sent on the Bataan Death March, along with 70,000 weakend and sick American and Filipino troops. The Japanese had arrived on Luzon with 50,000 fresh troops and several tanks. The Americans had little choice if any of them were going to survive. The Japanese losses sustained from 1 January -30 April and from the initial assault landings on 5 -6 May, resulted in losses of about 900 dead and 1,200 wounded, while the American defenders suffered 800 dead and 1,000 wounded. The 11,000 defenders of Corregidor held out against intense Japanese bombardment until 6 May 1942, with some 12,000 shells crashing onto the island every 24 hours…
October 6, 1942 Chester Bennett is promoted to Captain at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp.
October 25, 1942, Captain Bennett is stricken with Amoebic Dysentery. And enters the camp hospital.
November 25, 1942 According to official Japanese records, Cap. Bennett contracts Amoebic Dysentery on November 25, 1942.
November 26, 1942 – Promoted to Captian, AUS
November 27, 1942 – According to official Japanese records Capt. Bennett dies at 3:45 p.m. at the P.I. 1st Division Hospital Branch.
Died November 27, 1942 as a POW at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp of Amoebic dysentery. Time of death: 1545 hours at the First Branch Station Hospital. On his death certificate, Capt. Bennett is still listed as 1st Lt.
March 11, 1943 – Casualty Branch Telegram – “Your husband, 1st Lt. Chester Bennett reported a prisoner of War of the Japanese Government in the Philippine Islands. Letter to follow.
March 15, 1943 – Visi Card Report – Missing May 7th from date of surrender of Corregidor Theater, Philippine Islands. Battle casualty.
March 19, 1943 – Attempts are made to reach wife of deceased officer – Bonnie Bennett – Telegram sent to wife of officer was undelivered.
July 13, 1943 – Captain Bennett is terminated as a Prisoner of War because evidence had been established by the War Department that he had died in a prison camp.
July 13, 1943 – from the War Department – WashingtonD.C. – Battle Casualty Report – Evidence of death rec’d.
May 21, 1944
The Adjutant General’s Office
WashingtonDC
Dear Sirs:
Would I be able to get a copy of the orders of my husband, First Lieutenant Chester O. Bennett 0–890007, who was ordered to Manila P. I. June 1940 and died in a Japanese prison camp in 1942.
I was sent home on the Washington June 14 1941. I am trying to recover through the claims Department on a car and furniture.
Very truly yours Mrs. Chester O. Bennett (Bonnie A. Bennett)
In late 1945, the bodies of the American troops who died at the camp were exhumed, and the men moved to other cemeteries. Families were given choices of either reinturnment in the Philippines in National Cemeteries or be returned home. The Bennett family chose to have Chester’s body returned to Washington state.
Land was donated in the late 1990s by the Filipino government to create a memorial to the POWs of Bataan. The site of the Cabanatuan Camp is now a park that includes a memorial wall listing the 2,656 American prisoners who died there.
Pacific POW Roster BENNETT CHESTER O,
1stLT, O&890007,AGD,,521, (501,PW Camp #1 – Cabanatuan 1-2-3 NuevaProvince Luzon Philippines 15-121)
World War II Prisoners of War, 1941-1946
about Chester O. Bennett
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Name: |
Chester O Bennett |
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Residence State: |
Washington |
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Report Date: |
7 May 1942 |
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Latest Report Date: |
27 Nov 1942 |
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Grade: |
First Lieutenant or Chief nurse or Head dietitian or Head physical therapy aides |
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Grade Notes: |
First Lieutenant or Lt. Jr. Grade |
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Service Branch: |
Army |
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Arm or Service: |
Adjutant General’s Department |
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Arm or Service Code: |
Adjutant Generals Department |
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Area Served: |
Southwest Pacific Theatre: Philippine Islands |
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Detaining Country: |
Japan |
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Camp: |
Philippines Unstated Philippines 14-121 |
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STATUS: |
Died as Prisoner of War, Not Above Cases |
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Report Source: |
Individual has been reported through sources considered official. |
February 17, 1946 – Awarded the Bronze Star Medal – For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Soutwest Pacific Area, from February 28 to April 1942.
Cap. Bennett’s body is returned to the U.S. – Graveside Service – Friday, May 13, 1949 – PinesCemetery – Spokane/Opportunity, Washington
Probably one of the last letters written by Bonnie Bennett. She died in 1978. Part of the letter is missing, including the salutaion:
…take care of. Lola has been home taking care of them. Chuck got the cast off his leg, has to be off his feet for a week. Dickie has a bad cold. I am feeling better after getting over the shock of knowing I had two cancers. I am not letting it get me down. I have been very tired and sleep a lot.
I plan on leaving Jan. 7, I will not enjoy the trip alone but I will make the best of it, and will be glad when it is over. It takes three days to get a check up, have to back six months. I want to thank you for the nice candy.
How nice the pictures of your house were. You must be very busy. We have snow on the ground, but raining coming down fast. Maybe freeze tonight.
Love Bonnie
===========================
From Lisa J. Schureman – Bonnie Bennett’s grandniece – November 2011.
Bonnie Adelaide Bennett was born 12 Sept 1892, Vassar, Tuscola County, MI, to Elmer William Bennett & Mary Jane Dean, the eldest of four sisters. She attended school in KootenaiCounty after her family moved to Idaho between 1902-before Sept 1903. She is mentioned in the Northern Idaho News as doing a recitation “The Blue and the Gray” for the 4th of July in Colburn, ID. Like her sisters she took violin classes but unlike them you never hear of her playing in public nor was it ever mentioned that she played seriously. She went to WSU for a prep class, in what it doesn’t say. She married Chester, 22 June 1919, Opportunity, Washington, in the Bennett home. It was a very large home with plenty of land out back – some of which was in orchard.
The Lottie Bennett named as witness on the marriage certificate is my grandmother, Charlotte Marie Bennett, Ruth Idaho Bennett, the next youngest also served as a telephone operator.
Chester & Bonnie were active members of Orchard Masonic Lodge in Opportunity. I know that at one time they lived in Seattle as my father was sent to live with them for two years while his mother went back to college to get teaching certification so she could support her family when the banks crashed.
In June 1931 they left for California but were back in Opportunity by Jan. 1937 and went on a long trip back east with Bonnie’s sister, now Ruth Leonard and their mother. They were heading for the Philippines in the Summer of 1940 and Bonnie went with Chester. She was sent home June 1941 and nearly had their house completed and he was counting the days to retirement.
A letter mailed 19 Nov 1941 to my Grandmother was the last that the family heard from him. The household goods were shipped from Manila and torpedoed. The only thing that made it to Spokane was an ornate, hand carved, camphor-wood chest that now sits in our living room.
Bonnie had been planning to meet Chester for New Year’s in San Francisco. Until I started combing through old newspapers and finding stuff my Dad had stashed away we were unaware that his body had been returned to Opportunity for burial. Later on one of the men that served with Chester came to see Bonnie and in the process converted her to Jehovah Witness. She’d been a member of Opportunity Presbyterian before her conversion. She’d always mail “The Watchtower” to my parents after she was done with them and was always hoping to convert them.
All three Bennett sisters lived next to one another with my Gran’s house first, Bonnie’s single-story house next, followed by Ruth’s, so when we went to visit we just went house hopping. The big field ran in back of all three houses so as kids we could run and simply squat down to hide in the tall grass. Bonnie had sharp eyesight and could find anyone and anything even in all that grass. Do to health issues she had to have a hysterectomy when she was quite young otherwise there probably would have been children. She enjoyed having us around and we have some pieces of petrified wood that she collected and kept in a dish on the livingroom coffee table. The end of her life was quite sad though, as she was on medication for various health issues and fellow Witnesses were supplying her with wine. She signed her estate away to them and when she went into hospital not a one of them came to see her. When she died 23 Dec 1978, Spokane, WA, they called my Grandmother and told her there was no money to pay for the funeral to which she replied, “That’s odd because you got it all.” They did finally come across with the money to pay for her funeral, very grudgingly.
Bonnie was the first to die and it was like dominoes with Grandma in 1979, and Ruth in 1982. I don’t know what became of the youngest sister, only that she was born in Colburn or Sandpoint, ID, August 1912. First and last mention.
==================================
8 November 2011
Dear Larry,
These are articles and documents copied from my Bennett Genealogical notebook that I put together while researching the family.
I’m going to try and pass the photographic album to one of Llody’s sons so Lloyd can scan the photos he wants and put them on your website.
I’ll also send Chester’s father’s death certificate with the album as it dispelled the rumors that they were related.
Enjoy. I’ll ask my aunt about the chest. I know it cost $500.00 when it was bought.
Always,
Lisa J. Schureman (grandniece of Chester and Bonnie Bennett)
NEWS CLIPPINGS FROM THE BENNETT FAMILY ALBUM
Miss Bennett is 19 years old – heading off to college
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Northern Idaho News 14 February 1911 Miss Bonnie Bennett left here Friday, the tenth, for the WashingtonState college at Pullman, her father accompanying her. She will enter the preparatory class. |
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Northern Idaho News 26 January 1906 The small child of Mr. Elmer Bennett is reported quite ill. Dr. Page is in attendance. |
Mff
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Northern Idaho News 10 October 1911 Kalispell, Mont. — Miss Bonnie Bennett and sisters, of Colburn, are Saturday callers in a course of violin instruction from Miss Sullivan. |
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Northern Idaho News 10 January 1911 Miss Bonnie Bennett and Mrs. T. S. Gunderman, spent Thursday in Sandpoint doing shopping. |
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Northern Idaho News 6 July 1906 COLBURN COLBURN CELEBRATED ________ And All Who Remained in Town Enjoyed Themselves. Colburn, July 5 — the Fourth of July was celebrated here in a very enjoyable manner. Every one who remained in town enjoyed the program which was rendered as follows: Song. Marching Through Georgia, school children. Recitation, The Blue and the Gray. Bonnie Bennett. |
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Ellensburg Evening News 20 February 1919 Mrs. Dora Bennett received a wire yesterday from her son Chester stating that he had arrived safely in Virginia on his return from France. He is with the 69th coast artillery. |
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Ellensburg Evening News 12 April 1919 Corp. Chester Bennett, left on No. 1 yesterday afternoon for Fort Worden, where he will be stationed. He stopped off here to spend a few hours with his mother, Mrs. Dora Bennett. |
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Ellensburg Evening News 20 February 1919 Corp. Chester O. Bennett, who has been visiting his mother, Mrs. Dora Bennett, for the past few days left today for Spokane where he will spent a few days with friends before returning to Camp Eustis, Va., where he is stationed in the regular army; his term of service isn’t expiring for over a year. |
G. H. Q.
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES,
France, February 28, 1919
General Orders}
No. 38-A }
MY FELLOW SOLDIERS:
Now that your service with the American Expeditionary Forces is about to terminate, I can not let you go without a personal word. At the call to arms, the patriotic young manhood of America eagerly responded and became the formible army whose decisive victories testify to its efficiency and its valor. With the support of the nation firmly united to defend the cause of liberty, our army has executed the will of the people with resolute purpose. Our democracy has been tested, and the forces of autocracy have been defeated. To the glory of the citizen-soldier, our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust, and in a succession of brilliant offensives have overcome the menace to our civilization.
As an individual, your part in the world war has been an important one in the sum total of our achievements. Whether keeping lonely vigil in the trenches, or gallantly storming the enemy’s stronghold; whether enduring monotonous drudgery at the rear or sustaining the flight line at the front, each has bravely and efficiently played his part. By willing sacrifice of personal right’s by cheerful endurance of hardship and privations; by vigor, strength and indomitable will, made effective by thorough organization and cordial co-operation, you inspired the war-worn Allies with new life and turned the tide of threatened defeat into overwhelming victory.
With a consecrated devotion to duty and a will to conquer, you have loyally served your country. By your exemplary conduct a standard has been established and maintained never before attained by any army. With mind and body as clean and strong as the decisive blows you delivered against the foe, you are soon to return to the pursuits of peace. In leaving the scenes of your victories, my I ask that you carry home your high ideals and continue to live as you have served — an honor to the principles for which you have fought and to the fallen comrade you leave behind.
It is with pride in our success that I extend to you my sincere thanks for your splendid service to the army and to the nation.
Faithfully,
John J. Pershing
Commander in Chief.
Official:
Robert C. Davis,
Adjutant General.
Copy furnished to
Commanding.
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Ellensburg Evening Record 18 June 1919 SOCIETY To Marry Spokane Girl ______ Word has been received here of the coming marriage of Corp. Chester Bennett, which will take place Sunday, June 22nd to Miss Bonnie Bennett of Spokane at the Bennett home there. Corporal Bennett is with the United States Recruiting service in Spokane. He is the son of Mrs. Dora Bennett, and made his home in Ellensburg the greater part of his life. He recently returned from overseas. Mrs. Dora Bennett, mother of Corp. Bennett, will leave Friday for Spokane to attend the wedding. |
No.A 25761
Marriage License.
To any Minister of the Gospel within this State,
Judge of Supreme or Superior Court,
Or Justice of the peace within this county.
YOU ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO JOIN IN
HOLY MATRIMONY
Chester O. Bennett and Bonnie Bennett
City of Opportunity City of Opportunity
State of Wash. State of Wash
and certify the same according to law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
My official seal at my office this 21st day of
June 1919
C P Kelnan J. A. Stewart
Deputy Auditor of Spokane County, Washington
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SpokaneValley Herald 27 April 1923 ______________________ Mrs. A. V. Smith and two children of Essex, Mont., spent Saturday night and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett. |
1923 and 1924
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SpokaneValley Herald 6 June 1924 ________________________ Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Noble and Mr. and Mrs. K. H. Dunn camped near Peach Saturday and Sunday. |
SPOKANE VALLEY HERALD, JUNE 19, 1925
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“The Party Who Called You Has Hung—“
___________________________________________________
Insert Picture Here
___________________________________________________
Do you swear at these young ladies? If you a man and lose your temper because someone at the other end of the line hangs up on you, you probably do. For these are the operators at the Orchard telephone exchange and they “have the number” of more than on short tempered subscriber.
When this picture was taken the switchboards went unattended for the first time since the exchange was established thirteen years ago. The photographer placed his camera and posed the girls not required at the boards. When all was ready the girls on duty left their patrons in the midst of their conversations, dropped their headphones and dashed outside to take their places in the group. It is apparent that the camera man snapped the picture before the last arrivals had time to wink an eye.
When the operators reached their stations again a moment later the boards were a blaze of lights signaling from impatient subscribers and one lady was calling from a neighbor’s phone to report that she hadn’t been able to get central for half an hour.
The Orchard operators are all local girls making their home in the community. From left to right they are: Mabel Olsen, Bonnie Bennett, Sue Coates, Ruth Elsom, Helen Dunn, Vesta Shaw, Bertha Payne, Chief operator, Luvia Marks, Marie Ingles, Ruth Bennett, Gladys Haile, Veva Braden, Gladys Raymond.
1925
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SpokaneValley Herald 25 December 1925 Clubs and Lodges OPPORTUNITY MASONS NAME YEAR’S OFFICERS Orchard Lodge Elects Chest Gilbert as Head of Organization. _______ Orchard lodge No. 200 F. A. M. held their annual election of officers last Wednesday evening. Those chosen to head the lodge during the coming year are: Worshipful Master, Chester A. Gilbert; Senior Warden, Chester O. Bennett; Junior warden, Arthur A. Billings; Treasurer, Dr. J. J. Walker; Secretary, Harry E. Nelson; Senior deacon, Carl Polson; Junior deacon, Hubert C. Jones; Marshal, Clarence E. Moffitt; Chaplain; Rev. A. B. Blades; Organist, Weldon Williams; Senior Steward, James A. Mooney; Junior Steward, A. Bell; Tyler E. L. Allen. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 9 October 1925 _________________________ Leroy Marks, with A. Wheeler and Bill Holland of Greenacres, went to Usk for the week-end. They took their guns and brought home the usual number of birds. Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett were 1guest of Mr. Marks at a pleasant dinner Monday evening. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 19 June 1925 _________________________ Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett and Miss Ruth Bennett are on the coast for the week. Mr. Bennett is attending Masonic Grand Lodge. |
1926
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Continued from other column In the chest was a goodly supply of table silver, the gift of the Walnut telephone office operators and others. Those present were Mrs. Kunkle, Mrs. Glenn Downing, Mrs. Arthur Payne, Mrs. Roy Payne, Miss Alma Acton, Miss Susie Coates, Mrs. Kenneth Dunn, Mrs. Chester Bennett, Mrs. Roger McCormick, Miss Rught Bennett, Miss Berniece Brown, Miss Ethel Foster, Miss Gladys Haile, Miss Mabel Olsen, Mrs. W. W. Halle, Miss Vesta Shaw, Miss Luvia Marks, Mrs. Franklin French, Mrs. T. F. Raymond, Mrs. H. A. Raymond and Miss Gladys Raymond. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 8 October 1926 “Treasure Hunt” at Opportunity Party ______ Mrs. O. E. Kunkle Honor Guest at Raymond Home — Receives Many Gifts. ______ Miss Gladys Raymond entertained Friday evening at a shower for Mrs. O. E. Kunkle, formerly Miss Bertha Payne. A “treasure hunt”, was introduced by a small pirate. Impersonated by Richard Raymond, who presented Mrs. Kunkle with a chart, showing the location of the treasure. Various small articles of kitchenware were hidden with the different clews, which led the guest of honor on and on until the treasure chest was discovered. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 25 June 1926 Opportunity ______ Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett spent Sunday and Monday at Ellensburg. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 19 November 1926 __________________________ Chester Bennett returned home Monday evening from Sacheen Lake, where he spent several days with a party of hunters. |
1926 and 1927
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SpokaneValley Herald 18 February 1927 ___________________________ Mortar for Those Bricks _______
While friends of the Herald from far and near have been showering us with bricks, so to speak, apparently no one had thought of how we were to hold these bricks together and build them into a solid structure which would survive the years. It is not surprising that a man who deals in such -continued- materials should be the means of reminding us of this |
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Continued from other column: Materials should be the means of reminding us of this omission. A. D. Boughton of Dishman, who furnishes the sand and gravel for the Herald building, applied for an interest in the building, but instead of selling him the five bricks his $5 subscription order entitled him to, we decided that he should have credit for the mortar that went with the two hundred or more bricks already sold. It is easy to see that this building will be built the right way and of substantial construction. Those who helped with the building this week by paying their subscriptions are: A D. Boughton (5 bricks) C. T. Mahan Byron Martin John Deignen Leroy Monroe Horticultural Office
Paul Priest John Dean Gene Kenney II. Caratens (2 bricks) Chester Bennett Dr. J. J. Walker
W. B. Dishman T. O. Ramsey (2 bricks) A. H. Syverson (2 bricks) Carl Peterson J. T. Collins |
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SpokaneValley Herald 24 December 1926 ___________________________ Clubs and Lodges ____________________________ CHESTER BENNETT HEADS ORCHARD MASONIC LODGE
Chester Bennett of Opportunity was chosen Worshipful Master of the Orchard Lodge No. 200 F. A. M. at the annual election last Wednesday evening. Other officers elected are: Senior warden, Arthur A. Billings; Junior Warden, H. C. Jones; secretary, Harry Raymond, and treasure, Sidney E. Smith. |
1927 and 1929
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Farewell Party For Mrs. Bonnie Bennett
Mrs. Bonnie Bennett was the honored guest at a farewell party given last Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Bessie Kilgore. Mrs. Bennett has been in the Home Telephone company service 13 years and is resigning on June 13, and 13 guests were at the party, so the number 13 was featured. Decorations were pink and yellow. Guests included employees in the telephone office, Mrs. Bertha Keinkle, Mrs. Lillian Stultz, Mrs. Layne Truell, Mrs. Gladys Osborne, Mrs. Mabel Moyfitt, Mrs. Marie Reynells, Mrs. Onie Heirgood, Mrs. Helen Dunn, Miss Susie Coates, Miss Ruth Bennett, and Miss Ethel Foster. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 17 October 1929 PAST MASTER’S NIGHT WEDNESDAY
Past masters of Orchard Lodge, No. 200, F. A. M., will be the guests of honor at a Past Masters’ night, observed next Wednesday evening, December 3, by the lodge. Dinner will be served at 6:30 by the ladies of the Eastern Star, – after which there will be a short program. The first degree will be conferred upon a class of candidates at 8:00, the following past masters officiating: Harry Raymond, worshipful master; Charles Olinger, senior warden; Elwyn L. Allen, junior warden; Chester O. Bennett, senior deacon/ Clarence Moffitt, junior deacon; Channon Price, senior steward; Hubert Jones, junior steward; (unreadable) “All Masons of the Valley are cordially invited,” said Garry D. King, master of the lodge. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 11 March 1927 ___________________________ Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Bennett are making a trip to California. They will be gone until April 1St. |
1931, 1932 and 1934
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SpokaneValley Herald 11 June 1931 BENNETTS GOING TO CALIFORNIA
Victory Chapter Gives Farewell Party.
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett, opportunity, were guests of honor at a party given Monday evening by Victory chapter, O. E. S., of which Mrs. Bennett is a charter member and Mr. Bennett, a past worthy patron. Officers of the chapter who served with Mr. Bennett were hosts for the affair. Mr. Bennett, who is a recruiting officer for the United States Army, has been promoted to a position in the San Francisco post. They plan to leave Saturday for their new location. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 11 August 1932
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett are visiting Mrs. Bennett’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett and family. Mr. Bennett has been transferred from San Francisco to Seattle, and is having month’s furlough. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 22 June 1934
Mrs. R. E. McCann attended the Eastern Star Grand Lodge at Tacoma. She also visited Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett in Seattle. |
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BENNETT GIVES FLAG
Chester Bennett, recruiting officer for the United States Army, has presented the Opportunity school with a large wool flag, 18 by 36 inches. The presentation took place last Friday when a patriotic demonstration was held in connection with a fire drill. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 10 November 1934
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett of Seattle arrived Saturday to spend a week with Mrs. Bennett’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett. |
1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937
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SpokaneValley Herald 5 October 1934
Mrs. Chester Bennett, who has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett for three weeks has returned to her home in Seattle. Mr. Bennett came Saturday and returned with his wife. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 27 December 1934
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett of Seattle are spending the holidays with Mrs. Bennett’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 28 February 1936
Opportunity Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett returned to their home in Seattle Sunday afternoon after a few days visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Leonard. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 17 April 1936
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett of Seattle were guests the first of the week of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 15 January 1937
LODGE MEMBER HAVE ELK DINNER
Orchard Lodge No. 200 will meet at Opportunity on Wednesday, January 20, for an elk dinner being furnished and cooked by John Connors and Chester Bennett. At the meeting will be visiting grand lodge officers. James P. Dillard will be the principal speaker. It will be the first meeting under the direction of the new officers. All lodge members are invited. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 12 July 1935
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett of Seattle were week‑end guests of Mrs. Bennett’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 27 December 1935
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett of Seattle spent the week with Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett and family. |
1937
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Continued from other column. They include E. L. Allen, Mrs. J. B. Felts, Mrs. C. C. Hills, C. H. Olinger, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Moffitt, Mrs. A. B. Houk, C. F. Stokes, Mrs. Lulu Raymond, Mrs. George Osborne, Mrs. Nannie Gore, Mr. and Mrs. W. G Hand, Mrs. Mary Polar and Mrs. Chester Bennett. Presiding will be Mrs. Velma Cole, worthy matron and A. O. Woolard, worthy patron. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 13 August 1937
BENNETTS ON LONG TRIP
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bennett of Spokane, Mrs. Charles Leonard and their mother, Mrs. E. W. Bennett, Opportunity, left Saturday morning to visit relatives in Michigan. Before returning home Mr. and Mrs. Bennett will visit in New York and Washington, spending six weeks in the East. Mrs. Leonard plans to take delivery of a new car and, with her mother, drive home in about three weeks. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 10 October 1937
Masons Note Services Of Past Leaders
Bennett to Describe Recent Visit to East and Famous Old Lodge in Alexandria, October 6
Among noteworthy Masonic gatherings of Valley was Orchard Lodge’s masters’ night, Wednesday evening, when 12 past masters of the order were present. Thomas Bienz conferring the degrees. Next Wednesday, October 6, Chester Bennett will be the speaker at Orchard Lodge, describing his recent trip east, and the different lodges he visited. The most famous was George Washington lodge at Alexandria, VA. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 10 September 1937
Victory O.E.S., to Celebrate Its 19th Anniversary, Honor Founders
Victory Chapter, O.E. S., will celebrate its 19th anniversary Monday night in the lodge hall at Opportunity. Charter member of the organization, now living in the Valley, will be special guests of honor. (Cont.’d) |
1937 – 1941
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SpokaneValley Herald 15 October 1937
FATHER/SON BANQUEST SET
Annual Masonic Affair Devoted to Boy Scouts
Orchard Lodge, Masonic Order of Opportunity, will give its first father and son banquet next Wednesday evening, October 20, in the lodge hall at Opportunity at 6:30. At the meeting of the lodge last Wednesday, Chester Bennett described his eastern trip and visit to interesting lodges in Virginia and other states. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 7 June 1940
STAR HONORS C.O. BENNETTS
Mr. and Mrs. Chester O. Bennett, who are leaving soon for the Philippines, will be special guests at the meeting Victory Chapter, O.E.S., at the regular session to be held Monday evening in the Opportunity hall. Mrs. Bennett is a charter member of the organization and Mr. Bennett a past patron. A special program will be presented and a social hour with Mrs. O. D. Reinemer as general chairman. |
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(Continued from other column.) Inez Hill Bailey, worthy matron, and Lloyd F. Knight, worthy patron will preside. This will be the final spring meeting of the chapter, which will recess until September. |
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GOES TO ISLANDS
Insert photo here!
24 April 1940 Chester O. Bennett, master sergeant in the recruiting service, who has been enlisting men for the army here most of the time since the World War, has been ordered to the Philippines as a warrant office in the regular army. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 6 June 1941
Mrs. Chester Bennett arrived Sunday from Manila where her husband is stationed with the United States Arms. |
Chester Bennett’s last known letter send from the Philippines just days before the Japanese attacked on December 8, 1941.
————————————-AIR MAIL—————————————–
HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT,
OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT COMMANDER,
MANILA, P. I.
November 19, 1941
Dear Lottie: (Charlotte Bennett – Sister of Bonnie.)
It was so sweet of you to remember my birthday with a letter. Nothing could have been more appreciated, though it should be definitely understood that it is almost impossible to get along without “Time” here at what is known as the “Crossroads of the Pacific” or the “Pearl of the Orient” or just plain pain in the neck.
And your birthday is just ten days away. I have gotten something for you, but because Bonnie had to pay duty once it seems best to bring it home with me, rather than mail it and make you pay the duty. Christmas gifts will be inexpensive as it is costing me too much to get back home again, but I couldn’t treat you that way on your birthday.
I almost threw a celebration of my own when I learned that you had gotten the money necessary to complete the house. You have lived in the old house so long and it has been so inadequate that it seemed to me you deserved a new house, complete. I am so sorry that I am not there to help with it and so happy that I seem to be included in plans for its enjoyment. It certainly is nice to be remembered so well.
A Clipper is arriving this afternoon and I feel sure that there will be a letter for me. It is a miserable job waiting from one mail to the next. I suppose that Bonnie gets quite as impatient as I do. The difference is that I know every postponement while she does not. About three more Clippers and I will be through with this waiting business — and does the thought please me.
————————————-AIR MAIL————————————-
————————————-AIR MAIL————————————-
Wish there were some way to ship you some of the excess heat there now. Imagine, almost the last of November and a sheet almost too much to sleep under in a house with the walls all kicked out. A coat is always too much, but in the decent places around town it is required. Right now I am sweating (or do horses only do that). Sleeping and eating were difficult for me at home in hot weather. Here they are difficult all the time. And in another six weeks I will be bundled up in woolens and unable to keep warm.
SATURDAY MORNING:
The Clipper leaves tomorrow morning so this had better be finished right now.
Manila had a blackout last night, lasting from six p.m. to six a.m. There was a sliver of moon in the early evening, but when that went down the place was really dark. With almost no traffic moving the horns were silent, making it an excellent night for sleep and as the night was cool I got in a night such as I seldom have. In the darkness I set up a folding screen in an unstable manner with the result that I found it had fallen in the night but I had slept so well that I knew nothing of it.
Don’t lavish all your affection on your boy friends. Having been away from the ladies for six months, just a little affection from you well be appreciated beyond words when I get back, probably the last of January. Am giving Bonnie the details which you can get from her.
Here’s wishing for you a lot of pleasant birthdays, and may we be able to enjoy them together.
With much affection,
Chester
————————————-AIR MAIL—————————————–
1942
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SpokaneValley Herald April 1942
PRISONER OF WAR
First Lieutenant Chester O. Bennett has been reported a Japanese prisoner of war in the Philippines, according to an announcement of the war department received through the Associated Press. Lieutenant Bennett, who went to the islands as a warrant office in the regular army in April, 1940, was formerly in the recruiting service here. His wife, Mrs. Chester O. Bennett, lives at Opportunity. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 18 September 1942
VICTORY CHAPTER HAS SERVICE SHIELD
Victory Chapter, O.E.S. dedicated its service shield last Monday evening honoring members and relatives, who are in the armed services. Mrs. Lyle Bailey presented the names and stars were mounted for Chester O. Bennett, past patron of the chapter. |
AMERICAN PRISONER HEADQUARTERS,
CAMP NO. 1, CABANATUAN, P. I.
October 6, 1942.
As G1 of the 2nd Philippine Corps I certify the following in regard to the status of first lieutenant Chester O. Bennett, #0-890007 A.G.D.
Lieutenant Bennett was commissioned as first lieutenant from the grade of warrant officer on December 16, 1941. He was assigned to II Philippine Corps on December 29, 1941 and assigned to duty with Provost Marshall, II Philippine Corps. He was recommended in two separate letters for promotion to grade of Captain by his Commanding Officer and recommendations were approved by C.G. II Philippine Corps and forwarded to C.G. U.S.A.F.F.E. No action was taken on either recommendation. On February 26, he was ordered to Headquarters 41st Division P.A. as a replacement for Major Fraser, killed in action. During March he was again recommended by two separate letters for promotion to the grade of Captain by his commanding officer. He was performing the duties commiserate with the grade of Captain or higher and a vacancy existed for his promotion. His recommendations were forwarded approved by C.G. II Philippine Corps, but no action was taken by H.Q. U.S.A.F.F.E or H.Q. U.S.F.I.P. until April 9, 1942, the date of surrender of the forces in Bataan.
Lieutenant Bennett fulfilled every specification for promotion in accordance with regulations laid down by Higher Headquarters. It is believed his promotion was overlooked in the confusion and unusual condition resulting from the acute tactical situation.
O.O. WILSON,
Lieut.Col., G.S.C.
WAR DEPARTMENT
The Adjutant General’s Office
WASHINGTON
March 16, 1943.
In Reply
Refer To AG 201 Bennett, Chester O.
(3-11-43) PC-N 070122-2
Mrs. Chester O. Bennett
Opportunity, Washington
Dear Mrs. Bennett:
Report has been received that your husband,
First Lieutenant Chester O. Bennett, 0-890007, Adjutant General’s Department, is now a prisoner of war of the Japanese Government in the Philippine Islands. This will confirm my telegram Of March 14, 1943.
The Provost Marshal General, Prisoner of War Information Bureau, Washington, D.C., will furnish you the address to which mail may be sent. Any future correspondence in connection with his status as a prisoner of war should be addressed to that office.
Very Truly yours,
J. A. Ulio
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
1 Enclosure.
Memorandum re financial benefits.
DATE PUBLISHED UNKNOWN – AFTER 23 July 1943
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(Cont.’d) and ultimately to a captaincy because of his service in the artillery during World War I. Captain Bennett became a prisoner of the Japanese in the surrender of General Wainwright. The captain took an active interest in mining. He was the lessee and directing operator of a property adjoining the Deer Trail Monitor in Stevens County, this state, and for many years attended nearly every luncheon meeting of the Northwest Mining Assoc. Mrs. Bennett is reported to have been appointed a telephone operator at Fort George Wright. |
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SPOKANE MINER DIES A CAPTAIN ______ Chester Bennett Was Stevens CountyLessee; Passed On While Japanese Prisoner. _______ Captain Chester O. Bennett, about 51, a veteran of two wars and a resident of Spokane and its environs since boyhood, died a prisoner of the Japanese, his widow, Mrs. Bonnie Bennett, was informed at the family home in Opportunity recently, J. Richard Brown, an associate in mining, reveals. A veteran of the first World War, Mr. Bennett was in charge of the Spokane recruiting station in the Ziegler building here for three or four years, with the rating of sergeant, up to two or more years ago when ordered to the Philippines. He was a warrant officer by reason of his services in the World War, it is said. Was Artilleryman With Mrs. Bennett, he was residing in the western Pacific until two months before the Pearl Harbor tragedy, when all of the women were ordered to depart for their homes. In the meantime, Sergeant Bennett had been advanced to a lieutenancy |
1944
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SpokaneValley Herald 16 June 1944
FLAG THAT HE DIED FOR FLOWN IN REMEMBERANCE
A large flag, 10 by 14 feet, which had been a gift from Major Chester Bennett: who dies in a Japanese prison camp, unfurled in the breeze and alone in the sun on Flag Day, June 14, at the Opportunity grade school, a potent reminder of what these men are fighting and dying for. |
1944
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(Continued from last column.)
Last word from the lieutenant himself came before Pearl Harbor. After that there was only the official communication from the Japanese that he was a prisoner of war. The service kept Lieutenant and Mrs. Bennett for a number of years in Seattle and San Francisco, but both are well known in the Valley. For three years before the transfer to the Philippines they dame their home in Spokane. Mrs. Bennett is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett of Opportunity, for 30 residents of the Valley. Lieutenant Bennett was worshipful master of Orchard Lodge No. 200, F. A. M. in 1927. Later he served as secretary. In 1928 he was worthy patron of Victory chapter O. E. S. No. 161 with Mrs. Alma Thayer worthy matron. Mrs. Bennett has been with signal corps at Fort George Wright since last September. Sister of Mrs. Bennett are Mrs. Lottie Bennett Schureman, living at the family home, and Mrs. Right Leonard, whose home is next door that of her parents. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 16 June 1944 ___________________________ FLAG THAT HE DIED FOR FLOWN IN REMBEMBRANCE ______ A large flag, 10 by 14 feet, which had been a gift from Major Chester Bennett: who died in a Japanese prison camp, unfurled in the breeze and alone in the sun on Flag day, June 14, at the Opportunity grade school, a potent reminder of what these men are fighting and dying for. |
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SpokaneValley Herald 23 July 1944 ___________________________ First Lieutenant Chester O. Bennett Dies in Jap Prison ________ Notification from the war department came Wednesday of last week to Mrs. Bonnie Bennett of Spokane of the death of her husband, First Lieutenant Chester O. Bennett, in a Japanese prison camp. The information came for the Japanese government. Lieutenant Bennett was sent to the Philippines as a warrant officer three years ago. There, Mrs. Bennett later joined him and they were together 10 months before fear of trouble caused the government to order all women and children sent home. At this time Lieutenant Bennett was to have bee retired in 10 days and would have been on the high seas en route home when war was begun. Mrs. Bennett was making plans to meet him New Year’s Day in San Francisco. (Continued.) |
1944
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SpokaneValley Herald 23 July 1944
Valley fair dates tentatively set for September 8-12. Valley has good protection, fire reports show. First Lieutenant Chester O. Bennett dies in Jap prison. Valley W. C. T. U. host to count unit at Greenacres church. A.T. Dishman proposes free markets for Valley producers. |
1949
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Capt. C. O. Bennett Graveside services for Capt. Chester O. Bennett will be held Friday afternoon at Pines cemetery, Opportunity, with Dr. Scott Bates officiating. Captain Bennett, whose body will be received by Smith Funeral home tomorrow, died November 27, 1942, in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines. Captain Bennett fought through the battle Bataan, and later was on the “March of Death”. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal posthumously. He was a veteran of World War I service in France. He was a past master of Orchard Masonic lodge and a past patron of Victory chapter No. 161. Before leaving for manila, Captain Bennett had been with the army recruiting officer here for 16 years. Survivors are his widow, Bonnie Bennett, E12325 Valleyway, and two sisters in Los Angeles. Friends will meet at the Smith funeral home Friday at 2:30 p. m. and proceed from there to the graveside services. |
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BENNETT, Capt. Chester O. — He was a resident of E12325 Valleyway, Opportunity, Wash. Survived by his wife, Mrs. Chester O. Bennett at the home: 2 sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Smith and Mrs. Winnifred Frizzle, both of Los Angeles, Calif. Family and friends will meet at the SMITH FUNERAL HOME. W1124 Riverside Ave., Fri., May 13, at 2:30 p. m. and go directly to the Pines cemetery in Opportunity where graveside services will be held with Dr. Scott Bates officiating. |
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Military Records of LowerValley Soldiers ____________________________ 14. Chester O. Bennett, Private 1st Class. Home address Ellensburg, Wash. Born November 6, 1892. Son of Mrs. Dora Bennett, and Elmer C. Bennett (deceased) Mrs. Bonnie A. Bennett, wife. Entered service February 24, 1917. Served with Battery B., 69th Rgt. C. A. C. Went overseas August 14. 1918. Promoted to Corporal October 22, 1917; reduced to transfer to General Service Infantry. Date Published Unknown |
1978 – 1979
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IN LOVING MEMORY OF BONNIE ADELAIDE BENETT September 12, 1892 December 23, 1978 Funeral Services
10:00 AM. Tuesday, December 26, 1978 Chapel of the Valley South 1400 Pines Road – SpokaneValley OFFICIATING Mr. Harry Ball
VOCALIST Judy Radabaugh Vocal Selections “Balsam In Gilead” “Jehovah Is My Shepard” ORGANIST Nancy Helgeston Casket Bearers Donald Dierks Orville Fuller Percy Ott Pete Gilbert Barney Lakin Jim Soares Interment at The PinesCemetery — Opportunity |
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The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: though anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 23rd Psalm |
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Spokane Valley Herald Wednesday, January 3, 1979
BONNIE BENNETT
Bonnie A. Bennett, a resident of the Valley, passed away Dec. 23 at a local nursing home. She was 86. She had lived here since 1912, coming to this area from Vassar, Mich. Mrs. Bennett was member of Opportunity Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a life member of Victory chapter 161, Order of Eastern Star. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Charles Leonard, Mrs. Awald Meier, both Spokane Valley; a niece; two nephews. Funeral services were held December 26 at Thorn Hill Valley Funeral home. Burial was at The Pines Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the church. NATIONAL PERSONNELL RECORDS CENTER
Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 631325-5100
February 9, 2012
LARRY SMITH 315 LAURELWOOD DRIVE JACKSONVILLE, OR 97530
Re: Veteran’s Name: BENNETT, Chester O SN: 890007 Request Number: 1-10352931429
Dear Sir: We have received your payment for copy material for the veteran named above. Your photocopies are enclosed. The copy quality is the best that can be obtained. If you have questions or comments regarding this response, you may contact us at 314-801-0800 or by mail at the address shown in the letterhead above. If you contact us, please reference the Request Number listed above. If you are a veteran, or a deceased veteran’s next of kin, please consider submitting your future requests online by visiting us at http://vetrecs.archives.gov. Sincerely, WE VALUE OUR VETERANS’ PRIVACY David L. Johnson Let us know if we have Failed to protect it. DAVID L. JOHNSON Archives Technician (2A) Enclosure(s)
National Archives and Records Administration http://www.narga.gov/regional/stlouis.html
CIRCA 1919
CIRCA 1921 WAR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTER NINTH CORPS AREA San Francisco, Calif. April 11, 1921. From: Corps Area Commander. To: Corporal Chester O. Bennett (R-830788), D.E.M.L., R.S., Opportunity, U.S. Army Recruiting Service, Spokane, Washington Subject: Failure to pass preliminary examination.
By command of Brigadier General Blatchford: L. S. CHAPPELEAR, Acting Adjutant. Copy for A.G. of Army FILE MAY 5 1921 CIRCA 1923 CIRCA 1924 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FOR APPOINTMENT, PROMOTION, OR RETIREMENT
Bennett, Chester Oscar R-830788 Sergeant, Detached Enlisted Men’s List, Recruiting Service, Field Force *Rank) (Regiment or arm or corps or department) Applicant for Adjutant General’s Officers’ Reserve Corps
Age: 32 Years of Service * 7 years, 9 month (Enlisted) [Note – This form is intended as a general guide only and should in no way restrict the scope of the inquiry, which should be as thorough as possible.] History of the case (obtained from the Candidate or Officer before the Board).
Measles in childhood. No other childhood diseases. Appendectomy, Ft. Geo. Wright, Wash. 1917. No other illnesses, G.S.W. or other injuries
PRESENT CONDITION.
Vision: Right eye 20/20 Left eye 20/20
Color perception: Normal Hearing: Right ear 20/20 Left ear 20/20 Figure and genera appearance Medium erect. Weight 138 pounds. Height 64 ½ inches Chest Measurement: At expiration 32 inches. At inspiration 35 inches. Respiratory system Normal.
*If an officer of the Army give rank, organization, and years of service. *If an applicant for appointment, give branch of service for which application has been made.
Form No. 395. A.G.O. Nov. 22, 1919. -1-
Bones and joints Normal
Flatfoot None. Skin Scar old appendectomy well healed, otherwise clear. Nervous sytem: Normal. Vascular system Normal. Vascular system: Pulse rate 90 Quality full regular Condition of arteries soft compressible. *Wassermann reaction Not taken. Heart Normal Blood pressure, S- 118 D- 58 Varicocele None Varicose veins None. Hemmorrhoids None Hernia None. Digestive system Normal
Genito-Uurinary system Negative. Urinalysis: Sp. Gr. 1020 Albumen None. Casts None. Sugar None. Is he incapacitated for active service No Is it permanent —– How des it incapacitate —– Nature and degree of instability —– What physical defects, if any, did he have when commissioned —-
How was this information obtained by the Board? personal examination.
Place Fort George Wright Wn.
Date November 17th 1924 L. E. Inman L. E. Inman, Major Medical Corps, U.S.A.
*Taken at entrance into service and examination for commission only.
-2- REPORT OF EXAMINATION FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE OFFICERS’ RESERVE CORPS
by
Board convened pursuant to Paragraph 5 , Special Orders No. 2 , Headquarters 96th Division, January 4, , 1924 (Place) Spokane, Washington . (Date) December 8 , 1924. 1. The Board met at 7:45 P.M. this date. (Hour) PRESENT Lieut. Colonel Harry B. DeLong, OM-ORC. Major Harold Pitts, AS_OR. Major Archibald G. King, Inf-ORC. 2. Chester Oscar Bennett , a duly authorized candidate for appointment as 2nd Lieut. , AC-ORC. , Officers Reserve Corps, for (Special Service) appeared before the board and was accorded the right of challenge. The Board was then sworn and proceeded to examine the candidate in accordance with Special Regulations No. 43, and other existing instructions. 3. a The candidate is a citizen of the United States by birth, b is employed in U.S. Army, Recruiting Service, Department. 4. The Board finds as follows: a That the candidate is physically qualified for appointment. The Board recommended waiver of physical defects consisting of: None Form 395, AGO, marked Exhibit “A” is attached hereto. b That this candidate is morally qualified for appointment. Letters of recommendation in number, considered in this recommendation are marked Exhibit “B” and are attached hereto. c That the candidate does possess the requisite qualifications under the heading GENERAL FITNESS for appointment as 2nd Lieut Adjutant General’s
-1- , Officers’ Reserve Corps, for special service: that he has Equivalent of High School, education. The Board rates him under the following headings as indicated after each one: Personality Good ; Appearance Good ; Tact Good ; Military Bearing Very Good; Experience Very Good; Adaptability for military service Good . d That this candidate is professionally qualified for appointment as 2nd Lieut. , AG-0RC. , Officers’ Reserve Corps, for (special Service). (1) Remarks: Candidate was examined in all the subjects specified in Sub-paragraph 2 , Paragraph 114 and sub-paragraph 1 , Paragraph 115, Special Regulations No. 43, except subjects shown below under exemptions. No exemptions, e That this candidate has all the requisite qualifications for appointment as 2nd Lieut. , Adjutant General’s Officers Reserve Corps, for (Special Service). 5. The Board recommends that the candidate Chester Oscar Bennett be appointed as 2nd Lieut., AG-ORC. Officers’ Reserve Corps, for (Special Service). Remarks: A. G. King, H. B. Delong A. G. King H. B. DeLong, Major Inf-ORC Lt. Col. OM-ORC.
Form No. 1, Examining Board, 96th Division. -2- CHRONOLIGICAL STATEMENT OF SERVICE IN THE ARMY, NAVY, MARINE COPRS, INCLUDING SERVICE AS A CADET AT U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY; NATIONAL NAVAL VOLUNTEERS; NATIONAL GUARD IN FEDERAL SERVICE, AS A RESERVE OFFICE ON ACTIVE DUTY, MILITARY TRAINING CAMPS, OR AS A CONTRACT SURGEON SERVING FULL TIME, OR AS A STUDENT IN THE R. O. T. C. OR C. M. T. C.
Lt. D.L. Woodin(burned) Lt. A. J. Hart (burned) |
Were you ever rejected for any branch of the military service or for the R.O.T.C. or C.M.T.C.? No If so, state which, why and where rejected and cause XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
| Military Service Other Than Above. | Statement of Preferenes. |
(See par. , Instructions)Service in Officers’ Reserve Corps (inactive); Enlisted Reserve Corps ; Naval or Marine Corps Reserve Forces (inactive); National Guard or Naval Militia not in Federal service, or in military or naval forces of foreign countries:
None
Prior service in Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or Coast and Geodetic Survey. Give dates and nature of service.
None
1. Do you desire active service–
(a) In time of peace No
(1) If so, state whether for 15 days’ training or for a longer period XXXXXXXX
(2) At what time of year do you prefer to have such duty XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(b) In time of minor emergency necessitating the calling to active duty of a limited number of reserve officers Yes
(c) In time of major emergency Yes
2. How many days advance notice do you desire —
(a) In case of call to active service for one month or less One
(b) For longer period of One
3. In case of call to active service, for just what character of duty do you consider yourself best qualified? Any duty where a knowledge of Army (burned) work is required.
REMARKS. — State any other information you may desire to submit for consideration:
(Signature) Chester O. Bennett
(Name typed) Chester O. Bennett
Form No. 423a, A.G.O. –
Oct 1, 1923
CIRCA 1925
kma/46i
AG 201 (Bennett, Chester Onsar) January 15, 1925.
Res. 11-17-24.
Appointment in Officers’ Reserve Corps.
The Commanding General,
Ninth Corps Area.
1. Reference is made to your tenth indorsement, dated December 16, 1924, forwarding the report of the proceedings of an examination board in the case of Sergeant Chester Oscar Bennett, D.E.M.L., R.S., F.F., Spokane, Washington, who applied for appointment as Second Lieutenant, Adjutant General’s Officers’ Reserve Corps, and was recommended by examining board and by you for such appointment.
- In view of the large surplus of officers already existing in
The Adjutant General’s section, appointment as Second Lieutenant, Adjutant General’s Officers’ Reserve Corps, is not considered favorably.
- The Chief of Coast Artillery recommends examination with
a view to appointment as Second Lieutenant, Coast Artillery Officers’ Reserve Corps, which is concurred in. One form 432a is herewith returned for use in this connection, the other having been held on file with the applicant’s report of physical examination, which is considered satisfactory.
By order of the Secretary of War:
Adjutant General.
1 Incl:
Form 423a.
Copy for Chief of Coast Artillery.
704.11 LEI/eae
StationHospital
Fort George Wright,Wash.
March 9,1925.
Subject: Transfer
To: The Commanding General Ninth Corps Area Presidio San Francisco Cal.
(Thru Commanding Officer Fort George Wright, Wash.)
1. Recommend that Sergeant Chester O Bennett (R 830788) D E M L, a patient in this hospital, be transferred to LettermenGeneralHospital, Presidio San Francisco,Calif. For observation and treatment.
2. Diagnosis. 1.Adhesions, abdominal, severe, following old appendectomy for appendicitis acute suppurative. 2. Gastritis chronic, catarrhal, with possible ulcers of lesser curvature of stomach near pylorus and possible ulcer of duodenum, manifested by more or less constant pain in egigastrum, loss of weight, and general asthenia. Probable cause diagnosis # 1, causing partial obstruction to pylorus, duodenum and transverse colon.
3. It is believed that the recovery of this soldier will be hastened by transfer to a general hospital by reason of better surgical, laboratory and physio–therapeutic advantages over this hospital.
- Medical history of the case attached.
5. No attendant necessary.
1 incl.
Med History.
L E Inman
Station Surgeon
201–Bennett, Chester O. 1stInd. MPS-whg
Hq. Fort George Wright, Washington, March 10, 1925. – To: Commanding General, Ninth corps Area, Presidio of San Francisco, California.
Approved:
M.P. Schillerstrom,
Major, 4th Infantry,
Commanding.
1 Incl.
–1–
HEADQUARTERS NINTH COAST ARTILLERY DISTRICT
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COMMANDER
In reply
Refer to: Presidio of San Francisco, Calif.,
201. Bennett, C.O.
March 17, 1925.
Subject: Report of status of application for appointment in the Coast Artillery Corps Reserve.
To: C. G,. Ninth Corps Area.
In compliance with letter from the Corps Area Commander, dated Sept. 28, 1923, on above subject, the following report is submitted:
(a) Chester Oscar Bennett
(b) D.E.M.L.,R.S.,F.F., Spokane, Washington.
(c) Second Lieutenant, Coast Artillery Corps Reserve.
(d) January 23, 1925.
(e) Executive Officer, Ore & Wn, January 26, 1925.
(f) February 9, 1925.
(g) Not known at this time when action will be taken.
Remarks
Applicant has been confined to hospital at Fort George Wright, Wash., some time, and date of return to duty is not known.
For the Commanding General:
C. K. Wing,
Major, C.A.C., (DOL),
Executive for Organized Reserves.
HEADQUARTERS FORT GEORGE WRIGHT, WASHINGTON
Special Order,) March 19, 1925.
)
No. 46 )
Extract.
x x x
- Pursuant to instructions contained in letter from Headquarters Ninth Corps Area, dated 14, 1925 (File No. 201 – Subject: Transfer of patient to Letterman General Hospital.), now a patient in hospital this post, will proceed to the Letterman General Hospital, Presidio of San Francisco, California, and report upon arrival to the Commanding Officer thereat for observation and treatment.
The Quartermaster Corps will furnish the necessary transportation, and it being impracticable for the Government to furnish rations in kind, the Finance Department will pay in advance the monetary travel allowance prescribed in paragraph 7b, A.R. 35–4520 at the rate of $2.25 per day for rations for one man for two (2) days.
The journey is necessary for the public service and payment when made is chargeable to procurement authority AG 200 P 5032 A 9-5, A.R. 40-600, and QM 4 P 4615 A 3-5.
x x x
By order of Colonel WELBORN:
Wm. E. Donegan,
1st Lieut., 4th Infantry,
Adjutant.
OFFICIAL:
Wm. E. Donegan,
1st Lieut., 4th Infantry,
Adjuntant.
Copy to:
Post file (1) StationHospital (1)
Quartermaster (4) C.O. Letterman Gen. H. (1)
Finance (4) Sergeant Bennett (1)
Personnel Adj’t (1)
HEADQUARTERS
NINTH COAST ARTILLERY DISTRICT
Presidio of San Francisco, Calif.,
May 21, 1925.
Subject: Report of status of examinations for appointment and transfer.
To: C.G., Ninth Corps Area.
- In compliance with letter, your office, date Apr 24, 1925, the following report is rendered:
a. Name: Chester Oscar Bennett.
b. Address: D.E.M.L.,R.S.,F.F., Spokane, Wn.
c. Applicant for: Commission, 2nd Lt., CA–Res.
d. Date application was received at these headquarters after examination was authorized: Jan. 23, 1925.
- Date of authorization of examination: Jan. 22, 1925.
f. Date application was referred to the examining board:
Feb. 9, 1925.
g. Reason for delay: Examining board had to be convened for this case.
h. Date it is expected action will be completed:
Not known.
i. Remarks: Applicant has been sick in hospital and
unable to appear before board.
For the Commanding General:
C. K. Wing
Major, C.A.C., (DOL),
Executive for Organized Reserves.
HEADQUARTERS NINTH COAST ARTILLERY DISTRICT
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COMMANDER
In reply
Refer to: Presidio of San Francisco, Calif.,
201. Bennett, C.O. September 22, 1925.
Subject: Report of Status.
To: C.G., Ninth Corps Area.
1. In compliance with letter from the Corps Area Commander on the above subject, dated Sept. 17, 1925, the following report is submitted:
a. Name: Chester Oscar Bennett.
- Address, D.E.M.L.,R.S.,F.F., Spokane, Wn.
- Applicant for: Commission, 2nd Lt., CA-Res.
- Date application was received at these headquarters after examination was authorized: Jan. 23, 1925.
- Date of authorization of examination: Jan. 22, 1925.
- Date application was referred to examining board: Feb 9, 1925
- Reason for delay: Examining board had to be convened.
- Date it is expected action will be completed: Not known.
- Remarks: Applicant has been sick in hospital and unable to appear before boeard.
ALSTON HAMILTON
Colonel, C. A. C.,
Commanding
201 Bennett, C. O. 3rdInd.
Hq. 9th C. A. Dist., Pres of S. F., Calif., Oct. 10, 1925. To: C.G., 9th Corps Area.
The communication referred to above has this day been returned with appropriate indorsement.
For the Commanding General:
- K. WING,
Major, C.A.C.,(DOL),
Executive for Org. Reserves.
201 – Bennett, Chester Oscar 4th Ind. AG-O-Res/fcf.
Hq. Ninth Corps Area, Presidio of San Francisco, Calif. October 15, 1925.
To: The Adjutant General, Washington, D.C.
- In a letter dated October 5, 1925, Sergeant Bennett stated that he did not consider himself qualified to pass an examination for appointment in the Coast Artillery Corps Reserve.
- However, in view of his familiarity with Quartermaster Corps duties, he requested an opportunity to undergo the examination for appointment as Second Lieutenant, QM-Res.
- There being a vacancy to which he can be assigned upon appointment, the examination of Sergeant Bennett for the grade of Second Lieutenant, quartermaster Corps Reserve has been authorized this date.
For the Commanding General:
HARRY B. SEPULVEDA,
First Lieutenant, Inf. (DOL),
Actg. Asst. Adjutant General.
CIRCA 1935
121 Federal Office Building,
Seattle, Washington,
October 10, 1935.
Subject: Permission to Take Examination for Warrant Officer.
To: The Adjutant General,
Washington, D. C.
(Thru Channels)
- Under the provisions of AR 610–15, August 26, 1936, request that I be permitted to take the examination for Warrant Officer.
2. Personal history pertinent to this request is as follow:
a. Age 42 years.
b. Married. Wife only dependent.
c. Previous service:
G.S.I., Feb. 24, 1917 to July 8, 1920, Pvt. lcl., Excellent.
DEML, RS, July 26,1920, to July 25, 1923, Sergeant, Excellent.
DEML, RS, July 26, 1923 to July 25, 1926, Sergeant, Excellent.
DEML, RS, July 26, 1926 to July 25, 1929, Sergeant, Excellent.
DEML, RS, July 26, 1929 to July 25, 1932, Staff Sgt., Excellent.
DEML, RS, July 26, 1932 to July 25, 1935, Tech. Sgt., Excellent.
Reenlisted July 26, 1935, current enlistment.
- Total service when discharged July 25, 1935: 18 years, 4 months, 15 days.
- Grades held during my service have been as follows:
Private, February 24, 1917, to about April 15, 1917.
Private lcl, April 16, 1917, to October 21, 1917.
Corporal, October 22, 1917, to June 9, 1919, reduce upon transfer to General Service Infantry.
Private lcl. June 9, 1919, to October 1, 1920.
Corporal, October 2, 1920, to April 1, 1923.
Sergeant, April 2, 1923, to January 30, 1931.
Staff Sergeant, January 31, 1931. to January 31, 1933.
Technical Sergeant, February 1, 1933, to date.
- Never tried by court–martial.
3. I do not claim exemption from any part of the examination.
Chester O. Bennett, R–830788
Tech. Sgt., D.E.M.L., R.S.
–1–
201–Bennett, Chester O. 1stInd ‘SWN/ajg
Headquarters Seattle Recruiting District, 121 Federal Office Building, Seattle, Washington. October 10, 1935. To: Commanding General, Ninth Corps Area, Presidio of San Francisco, California.
1. I have checked the soldier’s record as stated in basic communication and find it correct.
2. I have known the applicant since 1923 and believe him to possess to an exceptional degree the character, ability and desirability to qualify him for the position of Warrant Officer, United States Army.
SAM’L W. NOYES
Colonel, Infantry
District Recruiting Officer
201–Bennett, Chester O. (10-10-35) enl 2ndInd.
HQ. NINTH CORPS AREA, Presidio of San Francisco, Calif., October 14, 1935. The Seattle District Recruiting Officer, 121 Federal Office Building, Seattle, Wash.
To: Technical Sgt. Chester O. Bennett, D.E.M.L., R.S.
For designation of Arm or Service in which technical examination is desired, attention being invited to paragraph 6 b, AR –15, August 26, 1935.
By command of Major General MALONE:
E. S. ADAMS,
Colonel, A. G. D.,
Asst. Adjutant General.
201–Bennett, Chester O. (10-10-35) enl 6thInd. AG-
HQ. NINTH CORPS AREA, Presidio of San Francisco, Calif., October 22, 1935.
To: The Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
Forwarded for the consideration of the War Department.
For the Corps Area Commander:
E. S. ADAMS,
Colonel, A. G. D.,
Asst’ Adjutant General.
121 Federal Office Building
Seattle, Washington
December 30, 1935.
SUBJECT: Technical Examination for Appointment as Warrant Officer.
TO: The Adjutant General, Washington, D.C. (Thru Channels).
Reference my application for examination for appointment as Warrant Officer dated October 10, 1935, it is requested that technical examination be given in Infantry, clerical administravtive.
CHESTER O. BENNETT, R–830788,
Tech. Sgt., D.E.M.L., R.S.
1STInd SWN/ajg
HEADQUARTERS SEATTLE RECRUITING DISTRICT, 121 Federal Office Building, Seattle, Wash.Dec. 30, 1935. To: Commanding General, Ninth Corps Area, Presidio of San Francisco, California.
S. W. N.
201–Bennett, Chester O. (10-10-35) enl. 2ndInd.
HQ. NINTH CORPS AREA, Presidio of San Francisco, Calif. January 2, 1936. To: The Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
E. S. A.
Received Jan. 7, 1936
CIRCA 1936
1stInd.
HQ. SEATTLE RECRUITING DISTRICT, U. S. Army, 121 Federal Office Bldg ., Seattle, Washington, May 12, 1936. To: Major Frank E. Stoner, Signal Corps, Presiding Warrant Officers Examining Board, 515 Federal Office Bldg., Seattle, Washington.
1. I understand that Sergeant Chester O. Bennett has been ordered to report to your Board for examination for Warrant Officer, U. S. Army. I take pleasure in transmitting the basic communication which should be of value to you in considering Sergeant Bennett’s case when he appears before your Board.
2. I have only been on duty at this headquarters since April 25th but from my observations of Sergeant Bennett during this limited period I feel I can concur in the sentiment expressed by Colonel Noyes in the basic communication.
W. F. SHARP,
Colonel, Field Artillery,
Asst. District Recruiting Officer
CIRCA 1937
WAR DEPARTMENT
JS-40
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE
WASHINGTON
IN REPLY
REFER TO
AG 201 Bennett, Chester O. March 1, 1937.
(3-137)Enl.
SUBJECT: Examination to Determine Eligibility
For Appointment as Warrant Officer.
THROUGH: The Commanding General, Ninth Corps Area.
To: Technical Sergeant Chester O. Bennett,
D.E.M.L. (RS),
Spokane, Washington.
I am pleased to advise you that you successfully passed the recent examination to determine eligibility for appointment as warrant officer in the Regular Army. Your name has been placed on the eligible list, prepared in accordance with per. 8, AR 610–15, of August 26, 1935, from which appointments will be made in the exact order of standing thereon. You stand number 227 of 741 on the list.
By order of the Secretary of War
Adjutant General.
CIRCA 1940
IMMEDIATE ACTION
WAR DEPARTMENT
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE
IN REPLY AG 201 Bennett, Chester O.
REFER TO (2-9-40) lg 1603.
WASHINGTON
February 9, 1940
Subject: Physical Examination for Appoint-
Ment as Warrant Officer, Regular Army.
Recruiting Officer, U.S. Army,
505 Ziegler Building
Spokane, Washington.
It is contemplated appointing Master Sergeant Chester O. Bennett, R–830, 788, DEML (RS), Spokane Recruiting District, a warrant officer, Regular Army, in the near future prvided he is physically qualified. If he is willing to accept, it is desired that you have him physically examined (including Wassermann and Kahn tests) and report the result to this office on the inclosed W. D., A.G.O. Form No. 63 as soon as practicable.
By order of the Secretary of War:
Adjutant General.
1st Incl.
201–Bennett, Chester O. 1stInd.
Hq. Spokane Rctg District, 505 Ziegler Bldg., Spokane, Wn., Feb. 14, 1940.
To: Dist. Rctg Officer, 323 Main Post Office Bldg., Portland, Oregon.
1. Master Sergeant Bennett is now on temporary duty in your district.
2. Request return of this communication through this headquarters.
1 Incl. FRANK G. CHADDOCK,
n/c Major, Field Artillery,
District Recruiting Officer.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
201–Bennett, Chester O. 2ndInd.
HQ. PORTLAND RECRUITING DISTRICT, U. S. ARMY, 323 Main Post Office Building, Portland, Oregon, February 15, 1940. To: Post Surgeon, Vancouver Barracks, Washington.
H. D. B.
201–Bennett, Chester O. 3rdInd. CKT/gww
STATIONHOSPITAL, EXAMINING ROOM, Vancouver Barracks, Washington, February 15, 1940. To: Hq. Portland Recruiting District, U.S. Army, 323 Main Post Office Building, Portland, Oregon.
Basic communication complied with.
CHARLES K. TODD
Captain, Med. Res.
For the Surgeon.
201–Bennett, Chester O. 4thInd.
HQ. PORTLAND RECRUITING DISTRICT, 323 Main Post Office Building, Portland, Oregon, February 15, 1940. – To District Recruiting Officer, 505 Ziegler Building, Spokane, Washington.
H. D. B.
201–Bennett, Chester O. 5thInd.
Hq. Spokane Rctg Dist., 505 Ziegler Bldg., SpokaneWash., Feb. 17, 1940.
To: The Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
Completed Form 63 is inclosed. Result of Wasserman and Kahn tests will be forwarded as soon as received.
FRANK G. CHADDOCK,
1 Incl. Major, Field Artillery,
Form 63. District Recruiting Officer.
Rec’d Feb 21,1940
March 1, 1940.
Hon. Charles H. Leavy,
United States Representative,
Washington, D.C.
My dear Judge:
Master Sergeant C.O. Bennett, whom you undoubtedly remember has asked me to write you in his behalf. He is about to be promoted from Master Sergeant to Warrant Officer, which promotion will in all probability take him away from Spokane. His father and mother are aged and in poor health and while he desires the promotion a great deal he hopes to avoid the penalty of removal from his folks, who need him more now than ever.
I do not know what, if anything, can be done in this regard, but if anything is feasible to enable him to have the promotion and residence here along with it, it would be a Godsend to him and his parents.
I understood that he is writing you in detail in regard to the matter also.
I am looking forward to seeing you soon at Spokane after the adjournement of Congress. Meanwhile, with best wishes to yourself peron-ally, Mrs. Leavy and the boys, I am,
Yours sincerely,
(sgd) Charles W. Greenough
(Judge – Superior Court of the
State of Washington)
AG 201 Bennett, Chester O.
(3-22-40)WCP lg 1603.
March 22, 1940.
Subject: Appointment as Warrant
Officer, Regular Army.
To: Recruiting Officer, U.S. Army,
505 Ziegler Building,
Spokane, Washington.
1. Master Sergeant Chester O. Bennett, R–830788, DEML (RS), Spokane Recruiting District, having been found physically qualified is appointed a warrant officer in the Regular Army, effective April 1, 1940. Instruct him to radio his acceptance at once worded as follows: “I accept appointment as Warrant Officer, Regular Army, effective as of date of appointment.” He will execute the oath of office on the form inclosed for that purpose. Have him honorably discharged on March 31, 1940, and the words “Discharged to accept appointment as a warrant officer” should be entered on his discharge papers. His serial number as a warrant officer will be W–901617.
2. In the event of his acceptance he will continue on his present duties pending receipt of orders which will issue April 1st assigning him to duty with the Adjutant General’s Department, Philippine Department.
3. Direct him to forward without delay finger-print record as required by AR 345–120, 1939, also, as early as practicable a photograph of himself taken in uniform as a warrant officer of the Regular Army. The photograph should be unmounted, not less than five inches in width and seven in height, and not exceeding eight inches in width and ten in height. The attached forms Designation of Beneficiary and Historical Record should be accomplished and returned to this office at the earliest practicable date.
4. It is also desired that information be furnished as to the number of dependents, with dates of birth of children, if any, for use in connection with transportation in case of change of station.
By order of the Secretary of War:
Adjutant General.
3 Incls.
WD, AGO Form No. 0337 Distribution:
WD, AGO Form No. 0337-A Commanding Genera, 9th Corps Area
WD, AGO Form No. 41. Chief of Infantry.
(handwritten at bottom)
Reservation made 3/28/40
On transport leaving S.F. 6/27/40
Signal Corps, United States Army
WarDepartmentMessageCenter,
Received at Room 3441, MunitionsBuilding,
Washington, D.C.
________________________________________________________________________
60 WVY Z 14 WD
SPOKANE WASHN 1032A MAR 27 1940
ADJUTANT GENERAL
WASHN DC
I ACCEPT APPOINTMENT AS WARRANT OFFICER REGULAR ARMY EFFECTIVE
AS DATE OF APPOINTMENT
CHESTER O BENNETT MASTER SGT DEML
317P
(CENTER OF PAGE)
STAMPED
RECEIVED
MAR 28 1940
Officers Disn.
A. G. O.
(handwritten)
Noted – com Group
Hrin 1603
4-4-40
(handwritten)
File
4/2/40
AG 1603
OATH OF OFFICE
REGULAR ARMY
______________
I, Chester O. Bennett , having been appointed a Warrant Officer
(grade)
in the Regular Army of the United States, do solemnly
(Organization or arm or service)
swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against
all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will be true faith and allegiance to the same; that I
take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I
will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter SO HELP
ME GOD.
Warrant Officer U.S Army
(Signature) (Grade and organization or arm or service)
Sworn to and subscribed before me, at Spokane, Washington this day
of April , 19 40 ______________________________
FRANK G. CHADDOCK,
Major, Field Artillery,
District Recruiting Officer.
________________________________________________________________________________________
lg 1603
Special Orders ) WAR DEPARTMENT
No. 77 ) Washington 1 April, 1940.
E X T R A C T
14. Announcement is made of the appointment of Master Sergeant Chester O. Bennett, R–830788, DEML (RS), Spokane Recruiting District, Spokane, Washington, as a warrant officer in the Regular Army, with rank from 1 April, 1940. He is relieved from assignment and duty at Spokane, Washington, and is assigned to duty with the Adjutant General’s Depart-
ment, Philippine Department, effective at such time as will enable him
to comply with this order. He will proceed at the proper time to San Francisco, California, and sail on the transport scheduled to leave that port on or about 27 June, 1940, for the Philippine Department and, upon arrival, will report to the commanding general for duty. His serial number as a warrant officer is W–901617. The travel directed is necessary in the military service. PD 1401 P 41-0620, 81–0600 A 0410–0. If the travel from Spokane to San Francisco is performed by privately owned automobile detached service for four days is authorized.
Dist:
Finance Sec., Misc. Div.
Dep. 1 (wife).
By order of the Secretary of War:
Official: G. C. MARSHAL.
E. S. ADAMS, Chief of Staff.
Major General
The Adjutant General.
GHB/1715.
A. G. 201 Bennett, Chester O.
(4-3-40) O. April 3, 1940.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF SERVICE OF
WARRANT OFFICER CHESTER O. BENNETT,
U. S. ARMY W–901,617.
The records of this office show that Warrant Officer Chester O. Bennett, U. S. Army, W–901–617, had had service as follows:
ENLISTED SERVICE
FROM TO
Feb. 24, 1917 July 8, 1920
(Time lost under A. W. 107–Sick, NLD under G. O. 45, W. D., from
Dec. 5, to Dec. 21, 1917).
July 26, 1920 Mar. 31, 1940
WARRANT OFFICER SERVICE
Date of acceptance: Present station:
Apr. 1, 1940 Spokane Recruiting District, Spokane, Wash; (To Phil. Dept. about June 27, 1940) Par. 14, S. O. 77, W. D., April 1, 1940.
By authority of the Secretary of War:
E. S. ADAMS
Major General,
The Adjutant General
To:
Chief of Finance, U. S. Army,
Washington, D. C.
(handwritten)
File
G.H.B. 1715
4-3-40
World War Division:
Bennett, Chester O. W–601617 R–830788.
Name Ser. No. as Ser. No. as
Warrant enlisted
Officer man
Please furnish a statement showing dates of departure from the continental limists of the United States and dates of arrival in foreign countries, all dates of departure from foreign countries and arrival back in the United States on leave, fourlough or change of station of the Above–named recently appointed Warrant Officer . (If on leave or furlough in foreign country from one in which serving tour give dates of departure from and arrival back in command.)
WORLD WAR DIV. Foreign Service Group,
April 4, 1940 Officer’s Record Section
Offa. Div.,
GFS/JOA–4-2-40.
LeftU. S. Arrived Date Left Date Arrived U. S.
_______________________________________________________________________
———————————————————————————————————–
Officers’ Div.
Foreign Service Group,
GFS/JOA
The records show that Chester O. Bennett, A. S. No. 830, 788 enlisted
Feb. 24, 1917 at Ft. George Wright, Wash.; left U. S. for overseas service Aug.
15, 1918; arrived in England Aug. 31, 1918; arrived in France on Sept. 2, 1918; left France Feb. 4, 1919 and arrived in U. S. Feb. 19, 1919. Assigned to 3rd Co., CAC, Puget Sound, Ft. Worden, Wash. And transferred to Bat. B, 69th Art. CAC May 20, 1918. Honerably discharged July 8, 1919 at Spokane, Wash. No record of Furlough.
Dimond, W. W. Div.
Lbl 7/3 4-9-40
Noted 4-18-40
JOA-1615-File.
HEADQUARTERS SPOKANE RECRUITING DISTRICT, U. S. ARMY
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT RECRUITING OFFICER
505 ZIEGLER BLDG., SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
201–Bennett, Chester O.
Subject: Photograph
To: The Adjutant General,
Washington, D. C.
In compliance with letter, the Adjutant General’s Office, March
22, 1940, file AG 201 Bennett, Chester O. (3-22-40) WCP lg 1603, subject:
Appointment as Warrant Officer, Regular Army, there is inclosed a photograph of Warrant Officer Chester O. Bennett.
In the absence of the District recruiting Officer:
1 Incl. Chester O. Bennett
Photograph Warrant Officer, U.S.A.
Stamped received
Apr 24 1940
CIRCA 1941
HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT.
IN REPLY REFER TO:
OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT COMMANDER,
MANILA, P. I.
Subject: Retirement.
To: The Adjutant General,
Washington, D. C. (Through Channels)
1. Request that I be retired from active duty, effective April 1, 1942, under the provisions of Section 5, Public Law 230, 77th Congress, 1st Session, S. 162.
2. I will have completed 25 years service on March 28, 1942.
3. Further request that I be ordered returned to the United States on first available government or commercial transportation and that accrued leave of absence be then granted me.
Chester O. Bennet, W–901617,
Warrant Officer, U. S. Army.
201–Bennett, Chester O.
Off–AG–1 (9-26-41) 1stInd.
HQ. PHIL. DEPT., Manila, P. I., September 29, 1941 – To: The Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
1. Approved.
2. This Warrant Officer is not under investigation, awaiting trail by courts martial or the result of such trail, nor is there a case pending before a court of inquiry.
For the Commanding General:
Stamped THOMAS M. TARPLEY, J
Received Oct 13, 1941 Major, A. G. D…
Assistant Adjutant G…
(corner burned off in fire)
MFG/ad/1510.
A. G. O.
AG 201–Bennett, Chester O.
(9-26-41) OG.
OCTOBER 22, 1941.
THE COMMANDING GENERAL
PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT
MANILA P I
IN REPLY CITE AGOG RE RETIREMENT REQUEST DATED SEPTEMBER TWENTY SIXTH OF WARRANT OFFICER CHESTER O BENNETT (W–901617) US ARMY STOP INFORMATION DESIRED AS TO MOST PRACTICABLE DATE THIS OFFICER CAN LEAVE PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE HIM AVAIL HIMSELF ACCRUED LEAVE TWO MONTHS THREE DAYS UPON ARRIVAL IN US PRIOR RETIREMENT EFFECTIVE MARCH THIRTY FIRST NINETEEN FORTY TWO STOP INFORMATION DESIRED SO ORDERS CAN ISSUE RELIEVING HIM ASSIGNMENT PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT AND ORDERING HIM NINTH CORPS AREA PENDING RETIREMENT
ADAMS
Distribution: (handwritten) MFG/ WD
Mrs. Romer (Alloc. A.G.D.)
Return to (crossed out) Clark 1510
(handwritten) File 12/22/41.
RADIOGRAM
___________________________
WVY 0–4–C
Received at the WarDepartmentMessageCenter
Room 3441 Munitions Bldg., Washington, D. C.
October 223 1941
FILED: 232 PM _____________M.
From MANILA P I
To THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
——————————————————————————————————————-______________________________________________________________________________
Copies furnished as noted:
641 TWENTY THIRD
MOST PRACTICABLE DATE FOR WARRANT OFFICER CHESTER O BENNETT W DASH, NINE NAUGHT ONE SIX ONE SEVEN TO DEPART FROM MANILA FOR US WILL BE ON USAT TAFT DECEMBER THIRTEEN REURAD AGOG OCT TWENTY TWO RE RETIREMENT STOP REQUEST HIS REPLACEMENT ON FIRST AVAILABLE TRANSPORT
GRUNERT
STAMPED
46 A GO
OCT 24 1941
Received
STAMPED
REGARDED UNCLASSIFIED
ORDER SKC ARMY BY TAG 17F30
POSTED RAC 3//16/49 BY PMM
FILE
Major Grant:
Herewith radiogram from the Philippine Department in the case of W. O. Bennett, who requested retirement effective March 31, 1942.
The most practicable date for officer to leave there will be on the December 13 transport. They also request replacement on first avail-
Able transport.
Shall we issue orders now assigning officer of the 9th CA and state in orders that he is to leave there on the transport leaving about Dec. 13, or shall we place case on suspended file until December?
10/24/41. Clark/ad/1510
(handwritten)
Put in suspended file until Dec.
mfg
MFG/ab/1510
A. G. O.
AG 201–Bennett, Chester O.
(9-26-41) OG.
DECEMBER 3, 1941.
COMMANDING GENERAL
PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT
MANILA P I
IN REPLY CITE AGOG REURAD OCTOBER TWENTY THIRD REQUEST OF WARRANT OFFICER (JUNIOR GRADE) CHESTER O BENNETT (W–901617) US ARMY FOR RETIREMENT WILL BE APPROVED AND ORDERS ISSUE THIS DATE RELIEVING HIM FROM DUTY PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE AT SUCH TIME AS WILL ENABLE HIM TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS ASSIGNING HIM DUTY NINTH CORPS AREA PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA STOP HE WIL RETURN ON FIRST AVAILABLE TRANSPORT OR COMMERCIAL LINER AND UPON ARRIVAL SAN FRANCISCO WILL REPORT TO COMMANDING GENERAL NINTH CORPS AREA FOR DUTY PENDING RETIREMENT STOP TRAVEL NECESSSARY IN MILITARY SERVICE FD 1401 P 2–06 16–06 A 0410–2 STOP RADIO ANY CHANGE IN COMTEMPLATED DATE OF SAILING
ADAMS
Official:
Adjutant General.
Distribution:
Commanding General
Ninth Corps Area
Presidio of San Francisco, California
Mrs. Romer (Alloc. A.G.O.)
MFG/ad/1510.
SPECIAL ORDERS }
No. 281 } WAR DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON, 3 December, 1941.
E X T R A C T
Warrant Officer (junior grade) Chester O. Bennett (W–901617), United Sates
Army, is relieved from his present assignment and duty in the Philippine Department, effective at such time as will enable him to comply with this order, and is then assigned to duty at Headquarter, Ninth Corps Area, Presidio of San Francisco, California. He will return to the united States on the first available United States Army transport or commercial liner, and upon arrival in San Francisco, California, will report to the Commanding General, Ninth Corps Area, for duty, pending retirement. The travel directed is necessary in the military service. FD 1401 P 2–06, 16–06 A 0410–2.
Ninth Corps Area,
Presidio of San Francisco, California.
Headquarters,
Philippines Department
Manila, P. I.
By order of the Secretary of War:
Official:
E. S. ADAMS G. C. MARSHALL,
Major General, Chief of Staff
The Adjutant General.
SIGNAL CORPS UNITED STATES ARMY
WarDepartmentMessageCenter,
Room #3441, Munitions Bldg.,
Washington, D. C.
PO58 49 USA MRT
MANILA NFT DEC 11 1941
AGWAR
WASHINGTON D C
IN REPLY CITE AGOF STOP REURADS AGOG OCTOBER TWENTY SEVENTH AND DECEMBER THIRD COMMA OFFICERS PAREN JG PAREN CHESTER O BENNETT AND JAMES C KNOWLES REQUEST THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR RETIREMENT BE WITHDRAWN FOR THE DURATION OF WAR STOP APPROVED STOP REQUEST RADIO REPLY END
MACARTHUR
703A.
(handwritten)
FILE
Clark/ase/1510:
12/22/41
Bennett, Chester Oscar appointed ____1st Lt.___,
Army of the United States, accepted, and entered upon active duty effective 12-15-41______, and assigned serial number 0–890007
By radio from Commanding General, United States Army Forces in Far East, dated____12-17-41____(AG 210.1 (12-17-41).
File with 201’s of Bennett, Chester Oscar
Major Grant:
See radio herewith. Shall we revoke orders in the cases of Warrant Officers Bennett and Knowles, which assign them to Ninth Corps Area, pending retirement, and inform the Philippine Department of action?
201’s herewith.
YES
12/16/41. Clark/ad/1510
MFG
MFG/mmp/1510.
Special Orders }
No. 293 }
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, 17 December, 1941
E X T R A C T
W. D.,
Par. 81, S. O. 281, / 1941, relieving Warrant Officer (junior grade) Chester O. Bennett (W–901617), United States Army, from assignment and duty in the Philippine Department and assigning him to Headquarters, Ninth Corps Area, Presidio of San Francisco, California, pending retirement, is revoked.
Philippines Department, P. I.
By order of the Secretary of War:
Official: G. C. MARSHALL,
E. S. ADAMS, Chief of Staff
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
CIRCA 1942
SUBJECT: Recommendation for Award.
TO: The Adjutant General, Washington 25 D. C.
ATTN; Awards and Decorations Division
1. In accordance with AR 600–45 and USAFFE Regulations 10–50, _________1st. Lt. Chester O. Bennett__________ is hereby recommended in recognition of the __meritorious and distinguished services in connection with Military Operations against the enemy at ______Batann, Luzon, P. I. _______
____________ from _____Feb.,28, 1942________ to ___April 9, 1942 _________.
2. Circumstances: (Include a full description of the act of service upon which the recommendation is based including character of terrain, hostile observation, enemy fire, visibility, time of day, atmospheric conditions, proximity of enemy, and morale of enemy and own troops.)
1st Lt. Chester O. Bennett, A.G.O. 890007, acted as Adjutant to me (the Senior Instructor of the 41st Div., P.A.) during the period Feb., 28, 1942 to April 9, 1942. Lt. Bennett by his cheerful, energetic and conscientious efforts was of the greatest assistance, not only to me but to the Division Staff as a whole. For his distinguished and meritorious services, he is recommended the Bronze Star (posthumously).
CITATION FOR BRONZE STAR MEDAL
(Posthumous)
First Lieutenant CHESTER O. BENNETT, 0890007 Adjutant General’s Department, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Area, from 28 February to 9 April 1942. As Adjutant to the Senior Instructor, 41st, Philippine Army, in Bataan, PhilippinesIslands, Lieutenant Bennett displayed exceptional ability and courage and rendered invaluable assistance to the division in its gallant stand against the foe. Through his administrative skill, energetic efforts, and unremitting devotion to duty, Lieutenant made a significant contribution to the defense of Bataan.
[Hand written]
War Depart.
June (burned)
Washington D. C.
Dear Sirs,
I have not heard from my husband Chester O. Bennett,
(W–901617) since December (burned) 1941. He was in Hq. Philippine Department M(burned) at that time. Will you please tell
me is he a prisoner of war or has been killed?
Mrs. Chester O. Bennett
Opportunity, Wash.
Bonnie A. Bennett
(stamped)
12 AGO
Jun 27 1942 5:oo pm
Received
(another stamp)
WAR DEPARTMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
1942 JUN 27 AM 11:31
HMR/haw/1508
AG 201 Bennett, Chester O.
(6-26-42) OG.
July 8, 1942.
Mrs. Chester O. Bennett,
Opportunity, Washington.
Dear Mrs. Bennett:
Receipt is acknowledged of you letter of June 26th, concerning your husband, First Lieutenant Chester O. Bennett, 0–890007, Adjutant General’s Department, who, according to the latest information available, was serving in the Philippine Islands at the time of the final surrender.
Lieutenant Bennett has not been reported on any casualty list received in the War Department. It is reasonable to assume that in the last days before the surrender of Bataan there were casualties which were not reported to the War Department. Conceivably the same is true of the surrender of Corregidor and possibly of other islands of the Philippines. The Japanese government has indicated its intention of conforming to the terms of the Geneva Convention with respect to the interchange of information regarding prisoners of war. At some future date this Government will receive through Geneva a list of persons who have been taken prisoners of war. Until that time the War Department cannot give you positive information.
The War Department will consider the persons serving in the Philippine Islands as “missing in action” from the date of the surrender of Corregidor, May 7, 1942, until definite information to the contrary is received. It is to be hoped that the Japanese Government will communicate a list of prisoners of war at an early date. At that time you will be notified by this office in the event his name is contained in the list of prisoners of war. In the case of persons known to have been present in the Philippines and who are not reported to be prisoners of war by the Japanese Government, the War Department will continue to carry them as “missing in action,” in the absence of information to the contrary, until twelve months have expired. At the expiration of twelve months and in the absence of other information the War Department is authorized to make a final determination.
A memorandum regarding benefits to certain dependents of missing, captured or interned personnel is inclosed.
It is regretted that further information is not available at this time.
Very truly yours,
J. A. ULIO
Major General,
1 Incl. The Adjutant General.
By:
Distribution:
Casualty 201 file
Public Relations Bureau
Allowance and Allotment
American Red Cross
D E A T H C E R T I F I C A T E
Volume Number : JA 125 Page Number: 1135
PHILIPPINE POW CAMP NO. 1 BRANCH CAMP
ARMY, First Lieutenant, BENNETT, Chester O
The aforementioned,
During Hospitalization in the Branch Camp ATTACHED HOPITAL after taking ill with AMEBIC DYSENTERY at NUEVA ECIJA Province Kabanatuan
on 25 October 1942
finally died at 3:45 PM on 27 November 1942
27 November 1942
PHILIPPINE POW CAMP No. 1 Branch Camp
ARMY MEDICAL OFFICER 2ND Lt. SUYEHIRO
Tomo (seal)
______________________________________________________________________________
I hereby certify that this is a true translation of the official Japanese document in the files of the Japanese Government Prisoner of War Information Bureau.
HENRY T. OMACHI
2ND Lt., Inf, AU (burned)
Translation Offi (burned)
Page No. 271 Index 1135
JA 125
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH
Philippine POW Camp ____The 1st BRANCH_____________________________________
Name of POW ________Bennett, Chester O. _____________________________________
Rank______1st Lt______________________________________________________________
The above prisoner was stricken on ________Oct 25th, 1942________________
at_________NUEVA ECIJA, KABANATUAN____________________________________
_____with AMEBIC DYSENTERYA_____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
and died while being treated on _____Nov 27th, 1942 _______time __1545 _________
at ____ the 1st BRANCH STATION HOSPITAL __________________________________
Date of certificate ____ Nov 27th, 1942 __________________________________________
Place ____ PHILIPPINE POW CAMP STATION HOSPITAL______________________
Certifying officer______SUEHIRO TOMO____ 2ND Lt. MEDICAL CORPS.__________
I certify that this is a true copy of ATIS translation of Japanese Certificate of Death. The original is on file at the Japanese Prisoner of War Information Bureau, Tokyo.
N. E. Churchill
1st Lt. AGD
Asst. Adj. Gen.
Draft Citation for
BRONZE STAR MEDAL
First Lieutenant CHESTER O. BENNETT, 0890007, Adjutant General’s Department, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Area, from 28 February to 9 April 1942. As adjutant to the Senior Instructor, 41st Division, Philippine Army, in Bataan, Philippine Islands, Lieutenant Bennett displayed exceptional ability and courage and rendered invaluable assistance to the division in its gallant stand against the foe. Through his administrative skill, energetic efforts, and unremitting devotion to duty, Lieutenant Bennett made a significant contribution to the defense of Bataan.
(handwritten at top)
Posthumously
VISI–CARD REPORT
NAME & ASN _____Bennett Chester O. 0–890007_
Rank & Br. of Service ______ 1st Lt. A.D.J._______
Date, Place & Type of Casualty
And Authority ____ missing May 7th from date of surrender of Corregidor theatre Philippine Islands.
__________ Battle – Casualty_____________________
E. A. _____Mrs. Chester O. Bennett (wife)________
____Opportunity, Washington____________________
Date E. A. notified _____7-8-42___________________
Beneficiary ________none________________________
________________________________________________
Clerk furnishing Report ______Sinclair___________
Date of Report __3-15-43___ Room No.__3604 Gr 1_
___Pacific Cas Pr. Charged to missing___________ _________3/15/43_______Casualty 201’s herewith.
__________________ No casualty 201’s
A G O
AMC 4609
AG 201 BENNETT CHESTER O (3-11-43) SPXPC–N 070122–2 (2) MARCH 14 1943
ASN 0–890007
MRS CHESTER O BENNETT
OPPORTUNITY WASHINGTON
YOUR HUSBAND FIRST LIEUTENANT CHESTER O BENNETT REPORTED A PRISONER OF WAR OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS LETTER FOLLOWS
ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
OFFICIAL:
/s/Bonnie Smith
Captain, A. G. D.
ADJUTANT GENERAL
(COPY)
Harpine–3832
Casualty Branch
4-7-43
CASUALTY MESSAGE
TELEGRAM
OFFICIAL BUSINESS–GOVERNMENT RATES
AG 201 BENNETT CHESTER O (3-11-43) SPXPC–N 0701122–2 (2) MARCH 14 1943
WAR DEPARTMENT
The Adjutant General’s Office
WASHINGTON
March 16, 1943.
In Reply
Refer To AG 201 Bennett, Chester O.
(3-11-43) PC–N 070122–2
Mrs. Chester O. Bennett,
Opportunity, Washington.
Dear Mrs. Bennett:
Report has been received that your husband, First Lieutenant Chester O. Bennett, 0–890007, Adjutant General’s Department, is now a prisoner of war of the Japanese Government in the Philippine Islands. This will confirm my telegram of March 14, 1943.
(stamped)
AGO 1943
MAIL ROOM DISPATCH
9 CASUALTY BRANCH
The Provost Marshal General, Prisoner of War Information Bureau, Washington, D.C., will furnish you the address to which mail may be sent. Any future correspondence in connection with his status as a prisoner of war should be addressed to that office.
Very truly yours,
Copies furnished:
ODB
POW MIS
AEB
Casualty Branch J. A. Ulio
1 Inclosure. Major General,
Memoreandum re financial benefits. File Officer’s 201’s
Mott 4615
3-16-43
Home Service Correpondent March 19, 1943.
American Red Cross
NAME: Bennett, Chester O.
ARMY SERIAL NUMBER: 0–890007
CAUSAULTY STATUS; Prisoner of war of Japanese
Government in the Philippines
Islands.
HOME ADDRESS: Mrs. Chester O. (Bonnie) Bennett, wife,
Opportunity, Washington.
FORMER ADDRESS: Mrs. Chester O. Bennett,
Headquarters, Philippe Department,
Manila, Philippine Islands.
PERSON WHO MIGHT BE OF HELP: Mr. E. W. Bennett, father-in-law,
Opportunity, Washington.
OFFICER BORN: November 6, 1892,
Ada, Minnesota.
MARTIAL STATUS: Married.
Telegram sent to wife of officer was undelivered.
Records of 1940 give name and address of officer’s sister
Mrs. Winnie Frizell, 717 Redondo Beach, California.
Harpine-3714
Casualty Branch 3-19-43
Copy for:
Casualty
Smith Family 
i have found letters of Chester O. Bennett in the last months of the Bataan Campaign. Sincerely,
James Zobel, MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk, VA