Robert "Russ" Bensley

When I worked at CBS News (1965-77), Russ was the smartest, good-natured, talented journalist of them all. As a senior producer, he made the on-air correspondents, including Walter, look good. In addition to being smart, he was also heroic. Russ was one of the few producers who went to Vietnam during the War to see it for himself, and he choose the most dangerous place in the world at the time--Khe Sanh combat base--to visit. He was wounded there, and, a few days later, critically injured in his hospital bed when struck by shrapnel from an incoming rocket. In the intense deadline pressure of getting broadcast news stories on the air, Russ was always a calm, reassuring colleague to work with. We met many times socially, with him and Pat, in the USA and Europe, and it was always a delight. When the team that made "Charlie Company" won an important award, I insisted that the plaque go to Russ. He was a very special person. His dignity, honor and many great achievements should be remembered always.