Last Surviving Member of Alaska Territorial Guard Passes Away at Age 101

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Pvt. Herman “Buddy” Bendixen, the last living member of the Alaska Territorial Guard, passed away early Monday morning at the age of 101, as confirmed by his family.

His grandson, Carlin Hoblet, reflected on Bendixen’s rich life, stating, “101 years old is, that’s a great life,” and emphasized the joy and authenticity in his grandfather’s demeanor. Bendixen enlisted in the territorial guard at the young age of 17 during the 1940s, a time when Alaska was still a territory, and he served from 1942 to 1947, primarily in King Cove, focusing on coastline protection from potential threats. Hoblet remembered his grandfather not only for his military history but also for his deep family commitment and enduring work ethic.