VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System

D-Day Veteran, Gaetano Benza Appreciates VASNHS Care

Meet Gaetano Benza, a World War II U.S. Army Veteran who receives his healthcare from the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System.

On June 6, 1944, Private Benza was one of the first Soldiers on Omaha Beach during the D-Day Battle of Normandy.   As a longshoreman with the 297th Port Company, Mr. Benza worked tirelessly while under heavy enemy fire to ensure that Soldiers landing on the beach were equipped for battle.  

“Hundreds of ships of all types were on the water that day,” he recalled. “I had my rifle above my head and one mission in mind… I have to get to that beach as safe as I could... It was much worse than the movies portray… you had to keep pressing on to protect yourself… ”

After spending four months at Omaha Beach, Mr. Benza moved to La Havre, France, where he would remain until the end of the war. Upon his return home, the Brooklyn, N.Y., native eventually moved to Henderson, Nev., continued his education, and became a barber at Nellis Air Force Base.

In honor of his service, France awarded Mr. Benza the National Order of the Legion of Honor – its nation’s highest distinction – in 2014. 

When asked how he keeps his youthful look, Mr. Benza explains it is his wife’s great care. The Korean soup and three simple rules keep him youthful – “reduce your salt, do not eat sugar and stay away from soda.” 

Recently, Mr. Benza spent two days under the VA’s care as an inpatient at VASNHS’ North Las Vegas Medical Center and appreciates the care he received. “These are some of the greatest people, and excellent care was provided by the talented nursing and provider staff,” he said. 

Although “retired,” the 91-year-old continues to live a very active lifestyle, speaking with students about his wartime experience. “This important history should be preserved,” he said.  In fact, the highlight of Mr. Benza’s last day at the hospital was meeting a fellow patient – a World War II U.S. Army Nurse who was married to a Normandy Veteran. Recalling the days of this war, both agreed that more should be done to spread the word regarding historical events such as D-Day that preserve our freedom.