Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, August 3, 2019 to honor a fallen U.S. soldier.

Cpl. Ralph L. Bennett, of Ames, Iowa, was last seen on June 13, 1944 as his unit participated in the siege of Myitkyina, Burma. After the battle, Bennett was reported Killed in Action (KIA). His remains were eventually transferred to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1949 and later identified in 2018.

Bennett’s military awards and honors include the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with one bronze service star), World War II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Honorable Service Lapel Button – World War II.

Bennett will be buried with full military honors.

Saturday, August 3, 2019, Memorial Service at Ames Municipal Cemetery, 2019 E. 9th St., Ames, Iowa, at 11:00 a.m.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.