[2] Bestwick saw pre-World War II duty at sea aboard the USS Louisville, and served at Marine posts in Bremerton, Washington; San Diego, and Camp Elliott, California.

Appointed a sergeant major in 1943, he saw World War II combat with the 3rd Marine Division in the Bougainville and Guam campaigns.

He was transferred to San Francisco in 1945 and completed a four-year tour of duty there as sergeant major of the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies.

In 1954, he began a two-year assignment as a sergeant major, Inspector, and Instructor Staff, 1st Air Delivery Company, San Jose, California.

Bestwick died July 10, 1972, at Stanford University Hospital and according to official records, was interred at the Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto, California.