By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • [email protected]
South Spencer High School hosted its annual Veterans Day program last week, inviting past and present members of the armed services for a ceremony in their honor. The event began with a lunch provided by the school’s culinary class. The school’s band and choir heralded the official start of the proceedings with a rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”, led by Mrs. Melinda Grace. Other musical offerings were performed through the afternoon.
SSHS Vice Principal Greg Keith recognized local veterans in the audience, and a video presentation by Shaun Hudson showcased veterans in the family trees of students and staff.
This year’s guest speaker was Bill Benthimer of Newburgh. Raised in the Tennyson area, Benthimer earned the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, though going to war was not his initial goal.
Benthimer recalled that money was always tight growing up, “so I was determined to make some.”
After a number of odd jobs, he managed to land a position at a factory by 17. Beyond getting money in his pocket and dating his future wife, Benthimer’s ambitions were modest when he reached legal adulthood.
“Typical thought process for an 18-year-old,” he noted.
That rhythm was disrupted by the draft, which saw him off for training at Fort Knox. Benthimer still recalls the drill sergeants in charge of him, and he certainly still remembers being caught talking out of turn and having to scrub the floor with a toothbrush.
Vietnam was always the ultimate destination, and to that end Benthimer was sent to Tiger Land, a training site in Fort Polk, Louisiana mocked up to simulate a Vietnam village. Little could be done to prepare one for the heat of the real thing, however. His first day in Vietnam was a steamy 107 degrees.
“Turns out that was a cool day,” he noted.
His duties were varied. Initially, he served in a mortar platoon. Then he found himself working at an arms bunker, a particularly dangerous place to be with explosives raining down from without and explosives stocked heavily within. Benthimer also found himself taking the risk of driving an armored personnel carrier fitted with communications equipment, particularly risky as mines were prevalent.
His luck held out through it all, but it was put to the test one day when his base was hit by a rocket attack. The bunker where he took shelter was near the mess hall, and overcrowded. The enemy managed a very accurate, or very lucky hit. A rocket managed to penetrate the bunker before exploding.
“Next thing I knew I was buried up to my neck,” he recalled.
Despite ruptured ear drums and a back injury, Benthimer worked to help the injured, and there were many. Around 30 were killed, and 33 wounded, by his recollection. After a two-week medical leave, Benthimer was sent back to serve out his remaining three months in Vietnam.
The annual event was closed with a performance of “Taps” by band member Peyton Powell.
Featured Image: The SSHS Band and Choir performed a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to kick-off the Veteran’s Day program and to honor the veterans for their service and dedication to their country
Pictured (from left): Veteran and Bronze Star recipient Bill Benthimer of Newburgh was this year’s guest speaker. Benthimer spoke of his time in the service to all who attended the program. SSHS students stand with their hands over their hearts and recite the pledge of allegiance. A table with different memorabilia was present for viewing.
