As a flier in World War II, Admiral Bender had some significant experiences in Air-Sea Rescue work with Squadron #1 based at San Diego and with the Far East Air Force in the Philippines. He later prepared an Air-Sea Rescue Manual to incorporate lessons learned. Other significant assignments included duty as pilot and personal aide to Admiral Joseph Farley and duty in Washington in the divisions of war plans, program analysis and administrative management. He was Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy from 1965 to 1967 and Commandant of the Coast Guard (1970-1974).