Robert Gray
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2012
Louis Benz was a US Army Musician and Chief Bugler of the US Military Academy for 40 years, 1834-1874. He died in his early 70's, still on active duty at West Point. Born in Orlofen, Germany, the former cavalry musician was a master of the keyed bugle. Preceded in death two years earlier by his wife, Rachel, he remained devoted to his post at West Point and to his dog, "Hans". He is recognized as one of the most distinguished buglers in American history. Although his surname is spelled "Bentz" on the monument marking his grave, he is registered on the official burial roster of the US Department of Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery Administration as "LOUIS BENZ, PVT/BUGLER DET ART, USMA/US CADET CORPS, DATE OF DEATH 7/09/1878, BURIED AT: SECTION A, SITE 403, US MILITARY ACADEMY".
But as Benz or Bentz, a bugler by any other name could not have been held in greater affection by the West Point's Corps of Cadets, who designed and paid for his monument. Made of then-fashionable cast zinc, the inscriptions on its facades pay tribute to his service, citing him as "The Bugler", "A Faithful Soldier" and "Old Bentz".
Nikita Barlow
www.findagrave.com
But as Benz or Bentz, a bugler by any other name could not have been held in greater affection by the West Point's Corps of Cadets, who designed and paid for his monument. Made of then-fashionable cast zinc, the inscriptions on its facades pay tribute to his service, citing him as "The Bugler", "A Faithful Soldier" and "Old Bentz".
Nikita Barlow
www.findagrave.com