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Ben Stanley Bitel
Specialist Four
1ST PLT, A CO, 2ND BN, 18TH INFANTRY, 1ST INF DIV, USARV Army of the United States Flushing, New York May 02, 1947 to April 29, 1968 BEN S BITEL is on the Wall at Panel 52E, Line 46 |
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I hardly knew Ben, but he became for me every young man of my generation (Me: Nam 65-66 Navy) who went to war and never returned. He was greatly loved by all who knew him, and still is, especially by his mom and dad. He has gone to his rest, too soon called away. Let us never forget him or his brothers-in-arms.
From a family friend. |
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I never knew you, Cousin Ben,
If any brother in arms knew Ben please feel free to email me
From a cousin, |
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Ben: The Utopians knew you well and truly were your best friends. I visit your memory on the Wall regularly, but don't realize you're gone. I think of you often, and it's all good. The Hamptons, The Straw Hat, Sam's, these memories will never die. Denis
From a friend, |
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May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and may peace follow you all the days of your life.
From a friend, |
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Benny, Brian gave me a picture, I think it was taken around October 1970, of Elias, Kevin, me and Mike. You were in the middle, but you weren't really there, we just left a space for you. I have that picture on my deck. How would our lives be different if you came back with me, Mike and Root? I think about you all the time. Your friend, Al.
From a friend, |
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Ben will never be forgotten. I wore your KIA bracelet every day along with another friend from Whitestone who gave the ultimate sacrifice. My name is Bill Friaglia. I lived on 23rd Avenue a block away from you. My brother Rick and I both were in Vietnam. I knew you but we didn't hang out together - from what I have known you were a great guy. You are always in my prayers. Rest in peace, my hero friend.
From a friend, |
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Ben, I work with a fellow soldier of yours, a Mr. Bill Papania. He speaks fondly of you and from what I have heard him say you were a great soldier, brave and true. He was with you on that day in April and he too was wounded. He was only in-country for about a month when the ambush happened. He did not know many people at the time but said you and he were close. At the time of the incident he tells me you were the team leader and to this day he wonders why you took point when you didn't have to. Rest in Peace and may God Bless your family.
From a friend of a friend, |
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Ben Bitel was a good friend of mine while I served with him in Vietnam. He had a great sense of humor and we laughed a lot during the rough times. Because I was transferred to Delta Co. in February 68, I lost track of my A Co. brothers. I have thought of Ben often, and hoped he was well and enjoying life back in the US. When I finally came in contact with my 1st Platoon friends in 2007, I was thrilled to hear from them and see some of them after 40 years of no contact. Then I learned of Ben's death, and it was one of the saddest days of my life. Apparently, he was killed five days after I had left VN. I still think of him and honor his memory. I want his family to know that he remains in my thoughts and prayers. He is not forgotten.
Peter Johnson |
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