Thomas A. Benes

Thomas Anthony Benes (June 8, 1951 – September 30, 2014) was a major general in the United States Marine Corps.

Career After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Class program in May 1974, attended The Basic School, and was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1976. He met his wife, Betty Jean (Bishop) Benes, in 1979 while stationed at Beaufort, South Carolina.

Benes' 35-year career involved duty in Yuma, Arizona; Quantico, Virginia; El Toro, California; Washington D.C.; Naples, Italy and Southern Europe.

Awards he received include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal three award stars, the Air Medal with valor device and four strike/flight numerals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Benes died on September 30, 2014, at age 63. He had been receiving treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Education B.S. – mechanical engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison M.P.A. – George Washington University