In Memoriam: Col. George Benson (1924-2008)

A key figure in US-Indonesia relations for over 40 years, Col. (Ret.)George Benson (an AICC member and board member) uniquely straddled the worlds of military, business, and education, to bring the peoples of the United States and Indonesia closer together. Behind the scenes, Benson helped steer the relationship to safe harbors when the going got rough.  We have a deep sense of gratitude for his faith in shared values and interests of our two countries.

Wayne Forrest, President

Barbara and George Benson/ Brigade Commander Benson in Vietnam

"Benson of Army"- tribute by Wayne Forrest

Benson first encountered Indonesia as a young military attache in the late 1950's and the country became part of his lifeblood for the rest of his career and life.    Without possessing an advanced degree in Indonesian studies he was one of the most educated Americans about Indonesia. His knowledge came from his life, work, and strong personal relations with Indonesians.  These linkages spanned several generations and many of the  young Indonesian officers that he shepherded to advanced training in the US rose to prominence as ambassadors, generals, and ministers.

After ending his service, Benson became the Washington representative for the Indonesian state oil company, Pertamina, and later was a consultant to several American oil companies.

He was a mentor to me as well as many others and served selflessly on many boards, including AICC's.  I will never forget the wise words he said to me years ago, "Wayne, when you meet someone who declares they are an Indonesian expert, be careful".   Benson, of course, was too modest to say he was one.   He'd often call the office to arrange meetings for a senior Indonesian energy official saying, "Hello, its Benson of Army".  I would respond, "Forrest of AICC", and then he'd proceed to tell me about his kids, grandkids, or those of an Indonesian student that was (or had been)"bunking" with he and and his wife while in school in the US.

I learned the sad news on Monday at a board meeting of the American Indonesian Cultural and Education Foundation, a scholarship organization that he served as its Chairman.  Benson helped start  AICEF in the halcyon days of the early 1970's as part of "nation building".  Since those days the group has sponsored over 300 Indonesians for advanced degrees in the US as well as conferences, meetings, and an occasional concert and publication.  I was looking forward to seeing "the colonel" (as he liked to be called)  and hearing one of his stories about his work in Indonesia back in the "good old days".  The group intends to establish a scholarship in his name. 

A West Point graduate, George never lost his enthusiasm and respect for Indonesia's armed forces, although at times his view was challenged.   He basically saw the good in their espirit de corps, unifying activities, basic pluralism, and professional intentions.  Ultimately, he had faith they were going to do the right thing.   I know he felt a sense of pride in the profound democratic transition of Indonesia since 1999 and the Army's withdrawal from politics. 

Official US military obituary

George C. Benson

George was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of West Catholic Boys High School and attended the United States Military Academy, graduating with the Class of 1945.

During his career as an infantry officer, George served six overseas tours in Asia. He was assigned initially to duty in the Korean Occupation. Later he served in Korea as a battalion commander and in Vietnam as a brigade commander. These assignments were interspersed with three tours in Indonesia as Assistant Army Attaché, Special Assistant to the Ambassador for Civic Action, and Defense Attaché.  At West Point he served as an instructor and then as a member of the Superintendent’s staff.  A 1966 graduate of the National War College, George also served in the Pentagon with the Defense Office of International Security Affairs and the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. He also received his Master’s Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University.  After retiring from the Army, George served as the Washington representative for Pertamina, the Indonesian National Oil Company from 1973 until 1992, and from 1992 to 2002 as an independent Oil and Gas Consultant. 

George’s long association with education and training for Indonesian students and military officers contributed greatly to beneficial relations between the United States and Indonesia . A strong advocate for U.S. International Military Education and Training, he was gratified that reformist officers in the lndonesian military, including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, were graduates of that program.

 George was a founding board member and trustee emeritus of the United States Indonesia Society (USINDO) and served on the board of the American- Indonesian Chamber of Commerce. He also served as chairman of the American Indonesian Cultural and Education Foundation (AICEF), an organization he helped found in the early 1 970s. Over the years, the AICEF has provided scholarships to more than three hundred Indonesian students and now intends to establish a separate scholarship named in honor of George.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Barbara Jean Benson of Maplewood

Park Place, Bethesda; Maryland; four children — Dr. Bonnie Marie Benson of Bethesda, Richard Lawrence Benson of Las Vegas, Nevada, William Joseph (Duke) Benson who died in 2001 and Monica Marie Huminski of Bethesda — as well as four grandchildren, a great grandson and his brother, William Benson of Ocean City, NJ, and a sister, Mary Kramer of Philadelphia, PA.

 He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and fellow soldiers.