In Memoriam

LCpl Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt

1987-2011

David R. Schmidt, MD

A Fallen Hero’s Legacy

On September 11, 2011, LCpl Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt posted on his Facebook page, “I guess you can use today as a reason for us to be here in Afghanistan. Just know I am fighting for myself, but most of all for my friends and family who read this. Everyone, it’s an honor to be your ambassador.”

Benjamin was a Marine Scout Sniper on his second tour to Afghanistan, this time voluntarily. Not one member of his platoon had combat experience. He felt called to lead, to be with his boys. During his first deployment to Afghanistan he was awarded the Navy/USMC Achievement Medal with Valor for his action in combat.

Less than a month later, on October 6, 2011, he was killed while on patrol in Helmand Province. Even now, 6 years after his death, his comrades continue to hail his virtues as a leader, a friend, a patriot, and an inspiration. He was also a fine athlete and a courageous, energetic young man with bold plans for his future.

Other than his family, few knew what Benjamin would inspire in his death. He left $200,000 of his life insurance to establish a scholarship in the History Department at his beloved Texas Christian University (TCU). With a matching gift from his father, orthopedic surgeon David R. Schmidt, MD, and stepmom Teresa, the scholarship provides annual funding for a graduate student. Asked why he chose to support graduate students, Benjamin replied with his signature humor and wisdom, “I wouldn’t invest in a freshman like myself.” Benjamin had spent 2 years at TCU prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps, and intended to return to TCU to complete his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Certainly not many young men at age 24 years, prior to going to war, have the foresight to envision and implement a legacy bigger than themselves, with the promise of influencing generations into the future. For his actions, Benjamin was a finalist for a Congressional Medal of Honor Society “Citizen Service Before Self” award.

David and Teresa Schmidt subsequently raised $1 million dollars to endow the LCpl Benjamin W. Schmidt Professor of War, Conflict and Society. It is truly inspirational to know that a young man’s selfless vision and his friends’ and family’s support could produce such a lasting legacy.