CDR Bennett was born in Hamburg, Iowa and entered the Navy in 1942. He carrier-qualified on the Paddle Wheel Carrier Wolverine, and served in numerous fighter squadrons in the Pacific Campaign. Bennett was aboard the Gambier Bay at the Battle of Leyte Gulf when she was sunk by Japanese shellfire. He served in fighter squadrons until his retirement in 1964. He continued flying as a pilot for Executive Jet and from 1967 to 1987 was Chief Pilot for Xerox Corporation. His flight standards and discipline have made him a benchmark for those who flew with him – a good friend and mentor.