Benjamin Charles Reese

Benjamin Charles Reese February 28, 1917 - March 19, 2009 COLUMBUS, GA — Benjamin Charles Reese, 92, of Columbus, Georgia, beloved husband, father, and grandfather died on March 19, 2009. Mr. Reese died peacefully at Columbus Hospice after a short illness and was surrounded by family. Visitation will take place at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Macon Road, on March 24, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. March 25, 2009, at the Airborne Walk at Ft. Benning's Eubanks Field., followed by interment at the Main Post Cemetery. Mr. Reese was born on February 28, 1917 in Early County, Georgia to Charles and Genevieve Reese and grew up in Jakin, Georgia. He graduated from Jakin High School in 1934 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1939. Mr. Reese served proudly and with honor as a member of the original Airborne Test Platoon that pioneered U.S. Army airborne operations. His World War II service with the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, included combat jumps into Normandy and Holland. Additionally, he served with the 65th Infantry Regiment in the Korean War. Mr. Reese continued serving his nation for more than 30 years, retiring in 1969 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four from the Infantry School at Ft. Benning. His awards include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge (2d Award) and Parachutist's Wings with Combat Stars. After retirement from the Army, Mr. Reese served as an instructor at the Military Occupational Specialty Supply/Logistics Course, Ft. Benning for an additional 13 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Verne Reese, two sons, Benjamin S. Reese (Yvonne) of Ft. Mitchell and Chaplain (Colonel) David Reese (Alice) currently of Washington, D.C., and three grandchildren, Bill Reese (Kelly) of Atlanta, Amy Dismukes (Derryl) of Columbus, and Caitlin Reese of Franklin Springs, GA. The family would like to give special thanks to Martin Army Community Hospital and the Columbus Hospice House for the extraordinary care given during his final days and to those who came alongside them in prayer. They would also like to thank the members of the 1/507 Parachute Infantry Regiment for providing military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who desire to make a contribution in Mr. Reese's name to do so to the charity of their choice.