Former Ft. Benning Commanding General dies at 91

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The local military community is mourning as a former Commanding General on Fort Benning has passed away.

The National Infantry Museum confirms to us that retired 3 Star General Sam Wetzel died Thursday morning, Jan. 20, at 91 years old. They say funeral arrangements have already been made, but the family has not announced those yet.

Wetzel graduated from West Point in 1952 and served 34 years in the U.S. Army. He commanded different platoons and companies during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, plus in Germany.

“He focuses on the mission, focuses on what’s important,” said Ltg. (Ret.) Carmen Cavezza. “So, it’s pretty much a business approach, but he does have a sense of humor. And he takes care of the people that deserved to be taken care of. That’s the way he was.”

Five years after taking command on Fort Benning, Wetzel retired from the Army in 1986. The military awards for this cancer survivor include the Distinguished Service Medal and Bronze Star.

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