Diane Watson: “Veterans Day, a few days ago, was very significant to someone in my district. I want to pay tribute to Benny H. Potter…”

“Veterans Day, a few days ago, was very significant to someone in my district. I want to pay tribute to Benny H. Potter, a resident of the West Adams community in Los Angeles. He lived there for a decade, and was a veteran of the Second World War. He passed away recently. He was greatly loved and respected by all in the community who knew him. Mr. Benny, or Uncle Benny as he was affectionately called, was born on August 21, 1919, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His family migrated to Los Angeles in 1925. During World War II, he was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Division, which sent him to North Africa to serve under General George Patton. He later served in Italy and Germany and had the honor of marching in the V-E Day Parade in Paris, France. Mr. Potter served his country with distinction. His family recently received a letter of commendation from the President of the United States for his distinguished service. He received four decorations for his service: The American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. At Mr. Potter's memorial service, four generations of relatives spoke. Two generations still live in the West Adams area. Numerous friends and neighbors saluted him with songs and words of praise, and I promised to give him the flag in his memory that I received after I served as Ambassador to Micronesia because he so well represented our country and our family abroad.”