The Boys of Benning

About the Book

The Boys of Benning highlights the lives of fourteen graduates of a 1962 Infantry Officer Candidate School class-before, during, and way after OCS. These men came from all across America to compete for officership in the United States Army. They emerged victorious from the crucible of OCS, and went on to serve our nation-in and out of the Army. Twelve of these fourteen men served combat tours in Vietnam. Most were wounded in action there; some more than once. They were point men in the so-called Cold War. For them, it was often hot war. Beyond the battlefields of Vietnam and the long war’s divisive impact on American unity, these “Boys of Benning” persevered in their patriotic duty. They rose to the challenges and opportunities of higher rank and responsibility with confidence born from competence. Whether they remained in uniform-as most did-or left the Army to pursue civilian careers, the men whose stories leap from the pages of The Boys of Benning exemplify the time-honored traditions of Duty-Honor-Country. Despite their diverse backgrounds and subsequent achievements, they share a common bond, forged at Fort Benning and strengthened by their long service to our nation and their respective communities, where they continue to serve with distinction. The Boys of Benning is a treasure trove of exemplary leadership that far transcends the military milieu with valuable lessons for all who aspire to pursue excellence in their personal and professional lives. Advance Praise for The Boys of Benning The Boys of Benning is an American story. It captures the experiences of a diversity of Americans who were brought together more than half a century ago by a shared ambition to become commissioned officers in the United States Army. Its pages unveil the greatness of the Vietnam generation. Stories are told with remarkable candor. A deep sense of adventure, dedication to country and duty, bravery in battle, and a contagious sense of humor are found in this book. It was an honor for me to be in the midst of these men more than 50 years ago and their stories fill me with pride. I strongly recommend this book. Powell A. Moore Former OCS Tactical Officer Former Assistant Secretary of Defense

About the Author

Co-editors Blurb Co-editors Dan and Zia Telfair are both from military families. Zia’s father and mother served in the Army Air Corps during WW II, and her father remained on active duty for a career. Dan’s father and stepmother served in WWII, as did his uncle, who was a Navy pilot in the Pacific, and stayed in for a career. Dan’s only brother Charlie (RIP) made a career of the Army, serving two tours in Vietnam, and retiring as a Special Forces sergeant major. Zia’s only sibling, her sister, served in the Air Force. Dan spent twenty-four years on active duty, three years of which were in South East Asia, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, Regular Army. Zia spent eight years on active duty in the Army, and finished twenty-one years of total service by staying in the National Guard and Army Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, USAR. Dan and Zia are spending their retirement years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they are both very active in volunteer and charitable organizations. Co-editor Thomas B. Vaughn spent over thirty years on active duty, including two tours in Vietnam and one in the Pentagon. He began his military career as a private and retired as a Regular Army colonel at Fort Campbell, KY in 1988. Since then he has been a radio personality, college teacher, newspaper columnist, political consultant, public speaker, songwriter, and music publisher. Tom and wife Betty now live near Rock Island, Tennessee, where they they enjoy their church, family, friends, and volunteer work with the Tennessee Fisher House Foundation.