Willmar soldier wounded in July 16 attack

By Eric Ludy

West Central Tribune

WILLMAR -- The fourth soldier involved in the July 16 attack that killed three Minnesotan soldiers has identified himself as Spc. Jacob Benson, of Willmar.

Benson suffered injuries during the rocket attack at 9:15 p.m. Iraqi time on a military base near Basra in southern Iraq. His friends, Spc. James Wertish, 20, of rural Olivia, Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, and Spc. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, were all killed in the attack.

Benson told the Tribune that pieces of shrapnel were found in his arm and his back after the attack. He also suffered bruises from being thrown by the explosion. He is still in recovery.