Bennett received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action at Honey Hill, South Carolina on 30 November 1864.

[1] Having left the war due to injuries he received during the Battle of Wilson's Creek, he subsequently re-enlisted into the 12th Wisconsin Infantry and was later a lieutenant in the 102d U.S.

[3] He received the medal of honor for his action on 30 November 1864, during the Battle of Honey Hill.

The 3rd New York Battery having been decimated and leaving behind useful artillery, Bennett led his infantry unto the battlefield to recover the cannons.

[1] After several unsuccessful efforts to recover three pieces of abandoned artillery, this officer gallantly led a small force fully 100 yards in advance of the Union lines and brought in the guns, preventing their capture.