Benjamin began his tour of Vietnam on April 13, 1966 in the 2nd Battalion 327th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. His rank in the army was Private First Class and while in he was awarded many awards including: Combat Infantryman Badge (awarded to Infantrymen and special forces soldiers in the rank of colonel and below), Parachutists Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (awarded to personal who have served for 6 months or who were wounded, rescued, or KIA while in the line of duty), National Defense Service Medal (awarded during a time of national emergency), Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar (completion of weapons qualification course), Army Commendation Medal with device, Bronze Star Medal (for heroic achievement), and Purple Heart.