#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Benjamin F. Daniels

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Benjamin F. Daniels, who received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during the Vietnam War.

Benjamin F. Daniels was born in June 1943 to a family of 11 in San Francisco, California. He grew up constantly on the move, spending several years picking crops and working at a service station. Known as a handy man, Daniels often helped neighbors with projects. In January of 1968, Daniels enlisted in the Army and soon deployed to Vietnam.

Daniels served as the fire team leader in company A of the 1^st Battalion, 327^th Infantry. He also served as a sergeant with the 1^st Brigade of the 101^st Airborne Division. Daniels received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal during his Vietnam Service.

He returned from Vietnam wounded but lived to eventually undergo three kidney transplants, the last of which he received news coverage for. Despite the pain, he never complained. “Just another walk in the park,” he would always say. A father of three, he loved gardening, cooking, and helping others.

Daniels passed away April 1, 2019 and was laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. He was 75 years old.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Writer: Adelaide Choi

Editor: Barbie Carranza

Fact checker: Brittany Hawn

Graphic artist: Michelle Zischke