In World War I, James D. Bender served with the Army's 6th Division in France and was awarded the Silver Star Medal. After the war he served in assignments in the Philippines, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal Zone. He also served with the 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Sam Houston, TX.

After serving as Professor of Military Science and Tactics at a Tennessee college from 1936 to 1941, LTC Bender returned to active duty in May 1941. His assignments included serving as an instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA, and activating the 387th Infantry Regiment at Camp Swift, TX. After his promotion to Colonel, Bender and his troops were shipped to Normandy, France, on 6 June 1943.

On 9 July 1944, U.S. Army Colonel James D. Bender assumed command of the 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, in France, after the previous regimental commander was killed by a sniper on 4 July 1944.

Two days after taking command, on 11 July COL Bender was killed in action when the jeep in which he was traveling sustained a direct hit by a German 88MM shell near Marchesieux, France.

Burial

Colonel James D. Bender is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France.