Robert W. Benson
Combat Medic
World War II
Robert Wayne Benson: born September 15, 1924 died August 12, 2018. Robert served Honorably as a Technician Fourth Grade in the United States Army from June 17, 1943 until January 10, 1946. He served as a Combat Medic with the 165th Infantry in the Western Pacific (Battle of Saipan and the Battle of Okinawa) during World War II.
Raised in Burlington IA, graduated from Burlington High School he was President of his senior class, four year all state in vocals, voted most handsome by his classmates. After the war he enrolled at the University of Iowa, member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He met Jacqueline Louise Shellady from Iowa City and they were married at the First Methodist Church September 6, 1947.
Bob graduated in General Sciences, they moved to Burlington where he owned and operated Union Supply Company with his brother Paul E. Benson. The business had many stores around eastern Iowa (Burlington, Davenport, Clinton, Iowa City, Centerville, Ames, etc) a wholesale and retail distributor. They were leading distributors of the Winegard Antenna. The company provided parts to Dr. Van Allen that were sent to space.
Bob served as president of the Burlington Golf Club, president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of Union Supply Co., on Board of Directors for the Burlington Bank and Trust and on the board for Messiah Lutheran Church. He was also active in the Elks, Kiwanis, poker club, dance club, Crystal Lake duck hunting club. His other interests included: fishing, gardening, cooking, oil painting, reading, Hawkeye football and basketball, wintering in Florida for nearly 50 years and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Bob was a true gentleman, he always had a big smile and a twinkle in his eye, and a zest for life. Bob and Jackie moved back to Iowa City in 2000. Jacqueline Louise Shellady Benson died November 9, 2016.
Children: Robert S. (Bob) Benson and Julie B. Hayek. Grandchildren: Benjamin P. Hayek, Robert W. (Bob) Benson, David J. Hayek, Molly E. Herrick. Great grandchildren: Ava Herrick, Anna Hayek, Jack Herrick, Elsie Hayek, Will Hayek, Walker Hayek
Medals earned: Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two stars, Army of Occupation Medal with a Japan bar, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Combat Medical Badge.
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