United States Army — Private First Class, 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion

Born July 30, 1919 — Died December 13, 2002

Robert Leroy Benjamin was born July 30, 1919, and died December 13, 2002. He married Shirley Bryant, and they had two sons, Robert and Bruce.

He entered active service on August 12, 1943, and began foreign service April 6, 1944, through July 10, 1945 — serving in the war zone 14 months and three days as a Private First Class with the 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion. Robert was actively involved in prosecuting the war in Europe. Hopefully a family member can be found who will help obtain his military records.

The 86th Chemical Battalion, Motorized, came into being February 23, 1943, when a cadre was formed from the 1st Separate Chemical Company and station complement personnel declared physically fit for combat. Arriving at Camp Swift, Texas, on May 15, 1943, the cadre immediately undertook preparations for the new battalion, then proceeded into a training program designed to prepare the battalion for close-in support of infantry — the type of missions to be met under combat conditions.

The original battalion commander was Major Richard C. Tanner. On March 25, 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Wesley B. Hamilton assumed command of the 88th and successfully guided its destinies through the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe campaigns.

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