CNBNews

Pfc. David J. Bentz came home last Friday. He'll be laid to rest this Friday.

"DJ" Bentz died in Baghdad last Wednesday, just more than a month after he deployed and about a month-and-a-half shy of his expected return date.

Bentz and three other soldiers -- Maj. Sid W. Brookshire of Missouri, Staff Sgt. Darren P. Hubbell of Georgia and Spc. Joe G. Charfauros Jr. of Mariana Islands -- were killed when an improvised explosive device, or IED, detonated near the vehicle Bentz was driving, the Department of Defense announced Monday.

The soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga.

When Bentz deployed, he went first to Germany, then to Kuwait. Bentz was supposed to be in Kuwait for about a month, but was sent to Iraq after a week. He drove soldiers to clear IEDs and rocket-propelled grenades from alongside roads. Missions would last two weeks, then Bentz would return to Camp Liberty, where he could shower and call home.

Pfc. Bentz will be honored with the Bronze Star, awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service, and the Army Good Conduct Medal, awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity.

When Bentz returns to Clayton, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and local police will honor him at Barclay Funeral Home.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Church of St. Catherine of Siena, in Clayton. A Mass immediately will follow, and then Bentz will be buried at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown.

information source Courier Post