In 1982, DeBenedetti drew national attention when he uncovered among papers at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library a report from the CIA to President Johnson, previously classified as top secret, indicating that the Agency believed there was no communist control or foreign link to American protests against the Vietnam War. Johnson refused to accept that judgment, DeBenedetti's research showed. So important was his research that just before his death, DeBenedetti received a $70,000 grant from the Social Science Research Council for an oral history entitled "Elite Dissent and U.S. Foreign Policymaking: Vietnam as a Case Study."

DeBenedetti devoted a great deal of effort to the Council on Peace Research in History (CPRH). He was on its executive council from 1973 until his death, served the organization both as secretary-treasurer and president, and in 1984 coedited Peace and Change, its journal. He conveyed a personal concern that was genuine and unbounded. As one of his friends in the CPRH remarked, he was a rock of quiet strength. A man of warmth and good humor whose advice and encouragement proved invaluable to scores of colleagues, DeBendetti was a sustaining force in many lives as well as in the field of history.

Charles DeBenedetti died of a brain tumor on 27 January 1987, his forty-fourth birthday. We his colleagues, the history profession, and the community at large are richer for those forty-four years.

—From the Preface of Give Peace a Chance: Exploring the Vietnam Antiwar Movement, edited by Melvin Small and William D. Hoover, with a Foreword by George McGovern (1992).

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In the book, Peace Heroes in Twentieth Century America, the editor, Dr. Charles DeBenedetti, lauded individuals "of conscience and purpose who decided to act at the risk of being wrong for what they believed was the greater good in living peace." These peace heroes were persons of hope who aspired not to power but to purpose. Borrowing a phrase, Dr. DeBenedetti described them as progenitors of "the party of humanity," an association of leaders who would move beyond nationalistic concerns and consider the well-being of the whole human family. These leaders would "depict and communicate accurately the nature and gravity of the global crisis, propose possible solutions, promulgate an inclusive sense of human solidarity, and, most of all, inspire a sense of hope that humankind might yet prevail."

...For me and for many others, Charles DeBenedetti was himself a contemporary peace hero. As a professor of history at the University of Toledo in Ohio and author of three books, he combined extensive research with dedicated classroom teaching in his effort to further the cause of peace. His search for grassroots solutions moved him to help found the Interfaith Justice and Peace Center in Toledo, which continues to be a powerful influence for good in our area. His passion for peace thrust him out of the classroom into the world of marches, rallies and protests where he acted with both courage and intelligence. Throughout his all too brief academic career, he spoke out against the dangers of nationalism while finding his own natural home in "the party of humanity." Upon his death, the amazing outpouring of tributes testified in a graphic way to the sense of hope that he often inspired in others. Using his own criteria, we can count him among our local peace heroes....

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"What can I say about a person who was one of my best friends? We joined the UT faculty at the same time, lived two blocks apart, had a common interest in the history of international relations and peace studies, traveled to conferences together, had sons born two weeks apart, spent many holidays and meals together, and often talked about the state of world affairs. Our wives and children did many things together. Indeed, we were like family.

The mention of meals reminds me of Chuck's love of eating and entertaining. Of course, here, one must mention Chuck's wife Sandy (who also passed away much too young). Chuck of Italian lineage and Sandy of Polish extraction both loved to entertain. Their home was the most welcoming place I can remember. No one was a stranger for long at the DeBenedetti home. They would welcome people with warmth and fellowship. Then there was the food! Sandy was a gourmet cook, I was a gourmet eater. It was a wonderful arrangement!

Having begun his study of peace movements in graduate school, Chuck practiced what he preached. Preached is not a good word, as he did not try to overpower those with whom he disagreed. Rather, he lived his peace values and practiced them like a gentleman. At department sessions, college and university faculty meetings, and at community gatherings, Chuck was always the one to strive for a harmonious solution to problems. Never compromising his principles, but always seeking to bring out the best in everyone, Chuck did not get angry with those who disagreed with him. Rather, he sought to show how an issue or problem could be solved and still allow both parties to maintain their dignity.

Chuck was fun-loving, caring, and a friend to everyone. He was a true gentleman who not only studied the issues of peace-making but lived those principles. After twenty-five years, I still l miss him."

Bill Hoover
August 31, 2011

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