Bennie Dexter was born on July 18, 1944, in Wickenburg, Arizona, and grew up in Bend, Oregon. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on September 26, 1963, and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in November 1963. Amn Dexter next attended Inventory Management Specialist school and Basic Supply training at Amarillo AFB, Texas, from November 1963 to March 1964, followed by service as an inventory management specialist with the 1605th Military Air Transport Squadron at Lajes Field in the Azores from March 1964 to October 1965. His next assignment was as an inventory management specialist with the 6250th Combat Support Group and then the 3rd Support Squadron at Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam, from October 1965 until he was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War on May 9, 1966. No further information about him has ever been received from Vietnam, and he was promoted through the ranks to Senior Master Sergeant before being administratively declared dead on May 10, 1976. His remains have never been returned to the United States.

Epitaph For A Hero

If I should perish overseas
In service to my Land
I shall have died a noble death--
Let none misunderstand.

I hope my body will be found,
Returned back to my home,
Where it was nourished and inspired--
No more to yearn, or roam.

Home is the soldier then from the war
Back to his family;
Home is the patriot at last,
Buried in majesty.

Pause, visitor, and cast a glance,
Upon a hero's grave;
Be thankful to breathe Freedom's air,
For which his life he gave.