BENT E. (BEN) LARSEN Lt Colonel, USAF (Retired)

USAF OCS Class 57C, OC LT, 4th Squadron Flight Lieutenant

I was born in Denmark on 26 June 1931. That's where I picked up the "t" at the end of Ben - a fairly common Danish name. I immigrated to the US in 1949, to join my older brother who had gotten "stuck" in California at the outbreak of WW II. There, I saw an Air Force poster and joined in November 1949 so I could fly airplanes. I didn’t know that non-citizens couldn’t get a commission in the military. I found that out quickly, and discovered that I would have to wait a few years to get my citizenship papers.

I worked in the Communications Electronics field, went to Germany and California, and ended up in Albrook AFB, Canal Zone as a T/Sgt, running a small Communications Relay Center. Finally, after becoming a citizen and after two attempts at OCS, I was assigned to Class 57-C. My most vivid memory of OCS was almost losing my wife. She was staying alone in San Antonio and developed a serious gallbladder infection. She was near death and they had to perform an emergency removal of her gallbladder at the base hospital. Attempting to split myself between staying with her, when possible, and OCS demands became very difficult, but I managed to graduate with my class.

The Air Force, in their wisdom, then decided to change my career field to Radar Intercept Controller and sent me to school at Tyndal AFB, FL for a couple of months. After that, I was assigned to the 727 AC&W Sq, Myrtle Beach AFB, SC. The wing commander there was Col Frances E. Gabreski (our AF top living ace). This was a tactical unit and after 3 years of training and waiting for someone to start a war somewhere, I asked to be trained back to my original career field. I attended C&E School at Keesler AFB, Miss for a year. Then on to Ramstein AB, Germany to a GEEIA unit (Ground Electronics Engineering Installation Agency) where, for 4 years, I participated in installing and repairing a variety of electronics gear all over Europe. For example, I installed a radar set on top of the buildings at Tempelhof AB in Berlin.

In 1966 I was assigned to a staff position at Hq AFLC (Logistics Command) at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. While there I was promoted to O-4 and was given a Regular AF commission. I participated in a joint AFSC/AFLC staff operation effort and was awarded a Certificate of Merit signed by both Gen Hobson (AFLC Comdr) and Gen Schriever (AFSC Comdr). From there I went to Hq Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala. and attended Air Command and Staff College in residence. Then, on to Vietnam as commander of the 1883 Comm Sq at Phu Cat AB. I got out of there with a Bronze Star.

Now, it was all the way to Mons, Belgium for my next assignment. I was one of the staff officers responsible for developing the command, control and communications plans for SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe). The Commander in Chief was Gen Goodpaster and the Chief of Staff was Gen Russell Doherty. This was a great assignment and we worked daily with officers from the various NATO countries. I stayed here for 4 years and was promoted to O-5.

Back to the states and Richards-Gebaur AFB, MO. to the Office of the Inspector General, Air Force Communications Service. Lots of inspection trips all over the world. A couple of years later the DOD decided to close the base and move the entire population to Scott AFB, Ill. which frankly was poorly equipped to handle the load (to say the least). I left my family in Missouri, and was given the task of moving the IG Office to Scott AFB. With that came the title of Deputy Inspector General. The IG himself stayed at Richards-Gebaur with the commander of AFCS, M/Gen Burris, who had refused to move to Scott AFB. He kept his staff there with him. They finally joined us at Scott AFB after we had completed the move and Gen Burris' retirement had been officially accepted.

I won't dwell on the countless hardships caused to numerous AF families during and after this move. In my own case I grew tired of being separated from my family and I was extremely unhappy with the poor performance of the USAF in handling the various problems and the move itself. I had my 30 years in, and it was time to retire. I only wish the end had been nicer. However, nothing overshadows the wonderful career experience of the Air Force. My family and I met some great people and made lasting friendships. We also took full advantage of the opportunity to travel as a family when we could, and to see and experience things that we will always remember.

Before moving to Scott AFB, we had purchased a home near Richards-Gebaur AFB in Grandview, MO. After retirement in 1979, I worked in the management end of the hardware construction and retail business for 12 years. I ended up managing a Home Center size outlet. The experience was very rewarding and the salary was good. The wife and I both "fully" retired in 1993 when we were eligible for Social Security.

My wife's name is Irmgard (Irma). She was born in Berlin, Germany. We were married in 1953. We have one son, Douglas. He is a medical doctor and works in medical research at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Last but not least: Our main hobby is GOLF.