The observer successfully made his way out of the aircraft and was rescued. Bennett's unparalleled concern for his companion, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.  (signed) GERALD R. FORD  Bennett studied at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) from 1964 to 1968, prior to commissioning into the US Air Force in 1968. He then attended Pilot Training at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas. He and Linda Leveque married in September 1968. The Bennetts had one child, Angela Bennett Engele, who lives in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and is the current president of the OV-10 Association located in Fort Worth and the Volunteer Administrator (a volunteer position) for the Fort Worth Aviation Museum.