COLONEL BENJAMIN h. VANDERVOORT

Colonel Benjamin H. Vandervoort was born on March 3, 1917 in Gasport, New York.

He was named second lieutenant at Citizen Military Training Corps. In August 1939, he succeeded in and so was promoted to second lieutenant then was transferred to the 10^th Infantry.
During the summer 1940, he joined the newly established paratroopers. He became an officer instructor for jumps and then became a paratrooper on January 21, 1941.
Vandervoort was assigned to the 505 PIR as commander of “F” company. During his stay in North Africa, he was promoted to the rank of major.
In June 2, 1944, at 29 years old, just before the Normandy campaign, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The 505th PIR was considered as one of the best regiment of paratroopers. The 2nd Battalion cooperated a lot to this good reputation with also the feat of arms of its commander, Colonel Benjamin H. Vandervoort which showed it perfectly.
The two DSC which he was awarded are certainly the best proof. Indeed, among stories of heroism of the Second World War, there is this one about Colonel Vandervoort who led his battalion of paratroopers to victory on D-day despite his broken ankle when he landed on Sainte Mère Eglise. His great bravery, his own initiative and his strong tenacity really helped the success of the missions assigned.

During Operation Market Garden, he jumped over in September 17, 1944 nearby Nimègue. For his action, he received the oak leaves with his DSC he got in Normandy.

During the Ardennes campaign, he lost an eye because of a mortar fire while they were making an assault against the enemy positions in Goronne on January 7, 1945. Afterwards he wore a prosthesis.

During the entire war, he had the reputation of being a commander who could carry through any mission, hit or miss, even when the opposing side was a great deal and had its own limited means.

Colonel Vandervoort left the army to work abroad and in Washington for the CIA. From 1967, he retired to lead a quiet life with his family.

He died in November 1990, at 75 years old from the effects of a fall in the stairs.

Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort was elevated to the rank of National Hero in the USA for the Second World War.