The General

There is more than meets the eye to our beloved "General". He certainly is more than a bundle of dry jokes. Long before he was bringing the house down on us, he was bringing down enemy camps... Get to know more about the man known as "General" Ben Duque. This article is taken from the "The Panther" September 30, 1956. Things change, fortunately, his indomitable characteristics which endear him to us haven't...

Ben, as he is fondly called, reminds you of the old Prussian military. Possessed with a ramrod bearing, his mien is serious, almost stern. With Patton-like posture, he walks with measured, heavy and determined steps which somehow suggest meticulosity, tenacity and ambition.

Here is a young (28 years) and bright officer with a future full of promise. Whether in the field or in an office he executes assigned jobs with equal dexterity. As an infantryman he has already four commendations to his credit. Lately he received the Gold Cross medal for gallantry in action against the fanatic Moro outlaws at Cota Puhong, Sitio Bunga Bunga, Luuk, Sulu on 29 June 1954. His skillful leadership, coolness under fire and his combat know-how as a team leader routed the Moro outlaws and accounted for eight killed and 12 wounded on the enemy side.

Given a well-deserved break from field duties, he is now the Assistant Adjutant and S1 after topping the AG Off Basic Course Class in 1955 at TAG Sch, PASC, Fort Wm McKinley. The new look in the Pers Sec is attributable to him to a great extent. In administrative matters, he is persistent in research and scholarly in his application. He has capacity to learn, and an almost bull-dog tenacity to improve.

A U.P. Product (AB, Cl 52), he finished his Basic and Advanced ROTC Courses in the same institution. Commissioned in 1952, he took the Company Officers' Course in the same year at the Ground Combat School, PASC, Fort Wm McKinley, placing 3rd in his class. He graduated only as Excellent in the SRTU in 1953 but, in the field where soldiers are tested, his combat record is splendid and enviable.

In civilian togs or in military attire, he cuts a fine figure without being foppish. His simplicity and neatness in dress are reflected in his suave manners. Unassuming in airs, quiet in dignity, he is a good listener but he can also talk. He is not only a fine conversationalist but is also very conversant. He is witty, quick at repartees and loves clean humor. He is presently working on his Masters degree in psychology. No wonder he has a keen insight into human nature. During a short interview, he can fathom the inner impulses of a soldier without the aid of a psychiatrist's coach. As an OD, he is the nemesis of malingering security men.

Motors and photography are Ben's hobbies. His pet peeves are ignoramuses, hypocrites, sycophants and bootlickers. His ambition is to become a deep thinker like Goethe or Freud.

Ben, with all his attributes and ambition, may well look forward with aplomb, provided he tempers his idealism with the cold and hard facts of life.

Whew, that was heavy stuff. Personally, it was kind of like looking at myself in the mirror. In a way, except for the military stuff, I could identify a lot with this guy. One thing I can say is, "The General" is a hero in his own right, a role model for everyone.