262456 PFC. Gilbert "T-Boy" Benoit US Army 447th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion from:Lake Arthur, Louisiana My father, Gilbert Benoit was a machine-gunner on a half-track. I asked him what his job was as a gunner. He said he would shoot over our troops into the enemy's area. When he had finished the campaign overseas, my uncle shared a story about why he had brought back a German helmet. He was ordered to take out a German sniper. He had brought back the helmet to prove he had shot the sniper. My uncle asked if it made him feel okay to bring back the helmet. He replied that at the time it did, but after he came back it wasn't so. Because it hit him that he had to do his job as a soldier. To take a life at that time, it was his life or the enemy soldier's life.
I remember mom and dad going to a reunion with veterans whom dad had served with. Mom told me that when the men had gathered after arriving at the reunion, they all hugged each other and cried. She and the other wives were overwhelmed, and they all broke down. That really touched my heart, knowing what sacrifices it takes to earn our freedom. The year was 1977. Mom and the other wives gave small speeches about the time when the soldiers were overseas.
y father hardly ever talked about what he saw or what happened there. Dad was an avid duck hunter and loved sports like football. My father also struggled with life. He was a loving father and we all miss him. Love you, Daddy, for your service. Rest in peace my friend.
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