From Coal Town to Soldier
Stanley Bender was born on Halloween in 1909 in Carlisle, West Virginia, a coal mining community where his father worked after immigrating from Russia. Growing up in a hard-working town gave Stanley the resilience and determination that would later define his service.
As the Great Depression deepened, Bender left West Virginia for Chicago, Illinois, where he worked as a chauffeur for a department store. Known for his strong work ethic, he soon built a life for himself, but world events were about to change his path forever.
Answering the Call
In December 1939, just months after Germany and Russia invaded Poland, Bender enlisted in the U.S. Army. Despite President Roosevelt’s promise of neutrality, it was clear that America would eventually be drawn into war.
After training, he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Regiment—the famed “Rock of the Marne.”
Fighting Across Europe
Bender and the 3rd Infantry saw combat throughout World War II:
- North Africa (1942): Operation Torch
- Sicily (1943): Invasion and push northward
- Italy (1943-44): Battles at Salerno, the Volturno River, and the liberation of Rome
- France (1944): Landing in southern France during Operation Dragoon
He earned multiple awards during these campaigns, including the French Croix de Guerre, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star.
Medal of Honor: August 17, 1944
Near La Londeles-Maures, France, Bender’s company was pinned down by heavy German machine gun fire. What happened next became the stuff of legend.
“Climbing onto a knocked-out tank under a hail of bullets, Staff Sergeant Bender stood upright in full view of the enemy for over two minutes. He then advanced 40 yards without cover, silenced multiple machine gun crews, and inspired his men to break through the German defenses.”
His fearless leadership allowed his company to destroy enemy positions, seize three intact bridges over the Maravenne River, and capture commanding terrain. His actions directly contributed to the Allied advance in southern France.
Coming Home
After the war, Bender returned to West Virginia. He worked for the Veterans Administration in Beckley, dedicating his post-military career to helping fellow Veterans. A bridge on the West Virginia Turnpike was once named in his honor.
Bender passed away at the age of 84 on June 22, 1994. He is buried in High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill.
Legacy
Staff Sergeant Stanley Bender will always be remembered as a hero who went far beyond the call of duty. His courage continues to inspire West Virginians, the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division, and people across the nation.
About the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance
If you or a loved one served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA) is here to help.
The WVDVA is a cabinet-level agency committed to serving West Virginia’s Veterans and their families by providing free assistance, advocating for benefits, and ensuring access to vital resources.
Our mission is to honor service by connecting Veterans and their families with the benefits and support they’ve earned.
To learn more about the services, find your nearest benefits office, or explore how WVDVA supports West Virginia’s Veterans, visit the About page or Benefits section on the WVDVA website: Veterans.wv.gov