WHEREAS, United States Army Private First Class David J. Bentz, III of Newfield, Gloucester County, New Jersey, graduated from Clayton High School in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Private Bentz, who was known for his smile and determination, played soccer for his high school team; and

WHEREAS, Private Bentz enlisted in the United States Army after his graduation from high school and served in the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS, Private Bentz was a dedicated soldier as well as a loving son, brother, and friend, whose memory lives in the hearts of his family and fellow soldiers; and

WHEREAS, Private Bentz was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, during a time of war while serving as a member of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Private Bentz has been recommended for some of our nation's highest military honors; and

WHEREAS, Private Bentz's patriotism and dedicated service to his country and his fellow soldiers make it appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to remember him and his family, to mark his passing, and to honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, June 29, 2007, in recognition and mourning of a brave and loyal American, United States Army Private First Class David J. Bentz, III.
   
   
2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 27th day
of June, Two Thousand and Seven, and of the
Independence of the United States, the Two
Hundred and Thirty-First.

/s/ Jon S. Corzine

Governor

Attest:

/s/ Kenneth H. Zimmerman