First Name: Howard

Last Name: Benzenhafer

Middle Initial:

Date of Birth: 03/04/1950

Sex: Male

Martial Status: Married

Number of Children: Yes

Home Town: Philadelphia, PA

Education Completed: Not Sure

Other Occupations:

Branch of  Service: Marines

Highest Rank: Cpl

Serial Number: N/A

Platoon: N/A

Age at Start of Service: 18

Years of Service: 2

Combat Veteran: Yes

Time in Combat: Not Sure

Place of Combat: N/A

Awards:

Date of Suicide: 02/1995

Suicide Method: Drug addiction

Veteran’s Story: We were best friends for 5 years. We volunteered under the Marine Buddy System and went through boot camp together. We both got WestPac Orders. He was a Sniper and I was a 60mm Mortarman. Within 3 months after getting home, we were both doing things we didn’t before going. It lasted a long time. I got lucky and quit in time, he didn’t. I tried to help but it was useless. I’m mad at him and I miss him. I think the war hurt alot of people.

Submitted By: John McMullen

Relationship to Veteran: Friend