Roy S. Benson
Encyclopedia
Roy Stanley Benson is a veteran submarine commander from World War II
who later served as the Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) during the Cold War.
in 1925. He graduated and commissioned as an Ensign in June 1929.
until December 1930, and then served three years on the destroyer USS Smith Thompson (DD-212)
operating with the Asiatic Fleet. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) in 1932.
In June 1934, Lt. (jg) Benson reported in June 1934 for submarine instruction at the New London Submarine Base, in New London, Connecticut
. Completing the course in December 1934, Benson subsequently served on submarines R-14
, S-42
, and S-27
. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant
in 1937.
Lt Benson served as an instructor in Navigation at the Naval Academy from June 1937 to May 1939. One of the midshipmen in his navigational classes was Edward L. Beach
who would later served with Benson during World War II.
In June 1939, Benson joined the destroyer USS Hovey
as its executive officer. In February 1941, he reported for duty on the submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168)
also as its executive officer.
Benson received a Letter of Commendation, with authorization to wear the Commendation Ribbon, for his role as executive officer and navigator on the USS Nautilus during the Battle of Midway
. The Nautilus also received the Presidential Unit Citation for this engagement. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant Commander
in 1942.
After brief duty on the staff of Submarine Squadron 10, Benson assumed command of the submarine USS Trigger (SS-237)
on August 29, 1942. Edward L. Beach
would later credit Benson's leadership during the next four war patrols for restoring the crew's morale. Ironically, Benson's most far-reaching contribution to the submarine campaign against the Japanese Empire was the failure to sink the aircraft carrier Hiyō
during his final war patrol as Triggers skipper. This proved to be the "final straw" for Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood
, the Commander Submarines Pacfific Fleet (COMSUBPAC
), who ordered the magnetic exploders be deactivated on the trouble-plagued Mark 14 torpedo
.
For distinguished service in command of the Trigger, Benson was awarded the Navy Cross, a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross, a Silver Star Medal, and a Gold Star in lieu of a second Silver Star Medal. Trigger also received the Presidential Unit Citation. He was promoted to Commander
in 1943.
Relieved of command of the Trigger in July 1943, he was placed in command of the Prospective Submarine Commanding Officer’s School at the New London Submarine Base.
From June to October 1944, Benson commanded the submarine USS Razorback (SS-394)
and later commanded Submarine Division 43. Benson led a wolfpack
consisting of Razorback, Trepang (SS-412)
, and Segundo (SS-398)
that set sail on November 5, 1944. Operating in the Luzon Strait
and the South China Sea
, a convoy of seven escorted merchant ships was sighted and the three submarines made night attacks, sinking all of the merchant vessels, on December 6.
Benson led another wolfpack consisting of Razorback, Segundo, and Seacat (SS-399)
that set out for the East China Sea
on February 1, 1945. Razorback sank four wooden ships in three separate surface gun actions and deposited three Japanese prisoners at Guam
. Segundo attacked Japanese shipping off the Korea
n coast, sinking a cargo ship on March 11. Seacat attacked Japanese shipping off the coast of Kyūshū
.
For outstanding services while in commanded Submarine Division 43, Benson was awarded the Legion of Merit
.
In March 1947, Benson was ordered to duty on the Staff of the Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet, as readiness and new developments office, becoming its war plans and intelligence officer in 1948.
In March 1949, Benson became the first Commander of Submarine Development Group Two (COMSUBDEVGRU Two), tasked to conduct ASW
research and development, when that unit was commissioned on May 9, 1948. In this capacity, Benson was responsible for the evolution of early post-war submarine tactics code-named Project Kayo. Commodore Benson remain in command COMSUBDEVGRU Two until August 1950.
After serving a two-year stint as the Director of Public Information, Office of Information in the Pentagon, Benson attended the National War College
from August 1952 to June 1953.
From the July 1953 to June 1954 Benson commanded the attack transport USS Bayfield (APA-33)
with the United States Seventh Fleet
, and from August 1954 to August 1955, was the Commander Amphibious Squadron Six with the Sixth Fleet operating in the Mediterranean.
In September 1955, Benson was assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and on August 8, 1956, became Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel (Education and Training) with the rank of Rear Admiral.
On May 2, 1957, Admiral Benson assumed command of Cruiser Division One in Yokosuka, Japan. In June 1958, he became Deputy Commander in chief of Staff, Military Sea Transportation Service, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. In March 1960 he assumed command of the Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC
), with headquarters at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
From September 1962 to June 1966, Benson was Assistant Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Director of Naval Administration, Navy Department, after which he served as director of a special task force until February 1969.
In April 1967 he reported as Commandant of the First Naval District, with additional duty as Commander of the Boston Naval Base.
Rear Admiral Roy Stanley Benson retired on January 1, 1969.
with Gold Star, the Silver Star
Medal with Gold Star, the Legion of Merit
with two Gold Stars, Commendation Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with two stars.
He also received he Yangtze Service Medal
; American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp
; American Campaign Medal
; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
with three stars; World War II Victory Medal
; National Defense Service Medal
with bronze star; Korean Service Medal
; United Nations Service Medal
; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon
.
Benson also was awarded the Royal Order of the Sword, Commander, First Class, from the Government of Sweden; Grand Star of Military Merit by the Government of Chile; and Peruvian Cross for Naval Merit (Grand Officer) Distantivo Blanco by the Government of Peru.
Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet (CINCPAC) Serial 32 (1943):
Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Roy S. Benson, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237) on the Third War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 December 1942 to 22 January 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Sea of Japan. Lieutenant Commander Benson, by his skill and excellent judgment maneuvered his ship, undetected, into an assigned area or laying mines, successfully conducted the mine laying operation and observed the destruction of one 8,400 ton enemy vessel from the mines laid by his submarine. He then carried out aggressive and skillful torpedo attacks resulting in the sinking of 15,271 tons of enemy shipping. Despite enemy counter efforts he brought his submarine through without damage to material or injury to personnel. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 324 (March 1944):
Citation: The Navy Cross (First Gold Star) is presented to Roy S. Benson, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237) on the Fifth War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 April 1943 to 21 June 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Japanese coast line. Lieutenant Commander Benson directed the operations and torpedo fire of his vessel with splendid initiative and expert tactical skill. On one occasion on 28 May 1943, his ship was responsible for severe damaging of an enemy aircraft carrier. Lieutenant Commander Benson contributed greatly to the success of his command in sinking an important amount of Japanese shipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity … as CommandingOfficer of the USS TRIGGER during a submarine patrol in enemy-controlled waters …spent close to the Japanese homeland. With great courage and daring, [he] pressed homethe attacks against enemy forces and, as a result, the TRIGGER sank one freighter of5,000 tons and damaged 24,100 tons of enemy shipping … bringing his vessel back toport with no material damage and with his crew in excellent fighting spirit.
Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star Medal:
Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity in action… as Commanding Officer of a United States Submarine during a war patrol of thatvessel. Despite adverse weather conditions, his determination and tenacity enabled himto deliver successful attacks which damaged or sank more than 21,000 tons of enemyshipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and inkeeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Citation: ... He made many material contributions to the training, overhaul and general readiness of submarines in his division. During this time, submarines under his command completed many war patrols which resulted in the sinking and damaging of many thousands of tons of enemy shipping. Much of the credit for the many successful war patrols and the severe damage inflicted upon the enemy was due to his efficient administration, excellent judgment and inspiring leadership ...
Gold Star in lieu of the Second Legion of Merit (1967):
Citation: As Assistant Vice Chief of Naval Operations/Director of Naval Administration, Rear Admiral Benson consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, resourcefulness and managerial ability in planning, organizing and coordinating the many diverse activities of his office. He was deeply involved in the planning for, and implementation of, the reorganization of the Navy Department and, in March 1966, directed the preliminary work leading to the preparation of studies and analysis which became part of the data input to the Task Force which he was designated to direct. As Director of a Task Force to study the structure of the Department of Navy incident to the unilinear organization effected in May 1966, Rear Admiral Benson inspired confidence and created an atmosphere of objective and rational approach to the many problems of a complex organization and its related intricate tasks and responsibilities, contributing in large measure toward the implementation of many of the recommendations of the Task Force even before its final plan and recommendation had been promulgated. His tact, diplomacy and adroitness in gaining the acceptance of officials involved in these recommendations was a major achievement in itself ...
Gold Star in lieu of the Second Legion of Merit (1969):
Citation: ... Rear Admiral Benson displayed skilled diplomacy, sound judgment, and outstanding leadership in coordinating the activities of the many Naval commands in his area, thereby greatly enhancing the support provided to the operating forces of the Navy. His relationship with the civilian community was particularly exemplary and was characterized by mutual respect and vigorous action in solving mutual problems. [His] thorough knowledge of the organization and management of the Navy, coupled with his ability to communicate with conviction and expertise, made him an invaluable asset in enhancing the position of the Navy. Through his personal attention and constant support of recruitment in the Regular Navy and the Naval Reserve, he contributed greatly to the success of the Navy recruiting program in the first naval District. Largely due to [his] skillful guidance, the First Naval District was commended by the Department of Defense for the excellent summer recreation program offered to disadvantaged youths of the area ...
Citation: For outstanding performance in combat during her Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh War Patrols against the enemy. Employing highly daring and hazardous tactics, the USS TRIGGER struck at the enemy with consistent aggressiveness, seeking out and pursuing her targets with dogged determination regardless of unfavorable attack conditions. Her exceptionally notable record of severe damage inflicted on hostile shipping and the gallant fighting spirit of her officers and men reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service
which was lost off Japan in March 1945. Mrs. Benson was the sponsor at the launch of the new post-war submarine Trigger
, with Edward L. Beach
as its first commander officer, on June 14, 1951. Admiral Benson and Mrs. Benson are interred at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery
, and are survived by Rickart Alan Connole (b. 1944).
Regarding the fate of his fellow submariners in the Cold War era, Benson noted:
Section/Lot - 03-0335 - USNA Cemetery Documentation Project - Cemetery Inventory Form - Summer 2005
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
who later served as the Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) during the Cold War.
Naval career
Roy Stanley Benson entered the United States Naval AcademyUnited States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
in 1925. He graduated and commissioned as an Ensign in June 1929.
Pre-War Service
Ensign Benson served on the battleship USS New York (BB-34)USS New York (BB-34)
USS New York was a United States Navy battleship, the lead ship of her class of two . She was the fifth ship to carry her name....
until December 1930, and then served three years on the destroyer USS Smith Thompson (DD-212)
USS Smith Thompson (DD-212)
USS Smith Thompson was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She was the only ship named for Secretary of the Navy Smith Thompson.-History:...
operating with the Asiatic Fleet. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) in 1932.
In June 1934, Lt. (jg) Benson reported in June 1934 for submarine instruction at the New London Submarine Base, in New London, Connecticut
New London, Connecticut
New London is a seaport city and a port of entry on the northeast coast of the United States.It is located at the mouth of the Thames River in New London County, southeastern Connecticut....
. Completing the course in December 1934, Benson subsequently served on submarines R-14
USS R-12 (SS-89)
USS R-12 was an R-class coastal and harbor defense submarine of the United States Navy.-Construction:Her keel was laid down by the Fore River Shipbuilding Company of Quincy, Massachusetts on 28 March 1918. She was launched on 15 August 1919 sponsored by Miss Helen Mack, and commissioned at Boston,...
, S-42
USS S-42 (SS-153)
USS S-42 was the first member in the third group of S-class submarines of the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down on 16 December 1920 by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on 30 April 1923 sponsored by Mrs. Henry A...
, and S-27
USS S-27 (SS-132)
USS S-27 was a S-class submarine of the United States Navy. Her construction was authorized in March 1917, and her keel was laid down on 11 April 1919 by the Fore River Plant, Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on 18 October 1922 sponsored by Mrs...
. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
in 1937.
Lt Benson served as an instructor in Navigation at the Naval Academy from June 1937 to May 1939. One of the midshipmen in his navigational classes was Edward L. Beach
Edward L. Beach, Jr.
Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. was a highly-decorated United States Navy submarine officer and best-selling author....
who would later served with Benson during World War II.
In June 1939, Benson joined the destroyer USS Hovey
USS Hovey (DD-208)
USS Hovey was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War II. She was the only ship named for Ensign Charles Hovey ....
as its executive officer. In February 1941, he reported for duty on the submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168)
USS Nautilus (SS-168)
USS Nautilus , a and one of the "V-boats", was the third ship of the United States Navy to officially bear that popular ship's name. She was originally named and designated V-6 , but was redesignated and given hull classification symbol SC-2 on 11 February 1925...
also as its executive officer.
World War II
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, approximately one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea and six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy decisively defeated...
. The Nautilus also received the Presidential Unit Citation for this engagement. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander is a commissioned officer rank in many navies. The rank is superior to a lieutenant and subordinate to a commander...
in 1942.
After brief duty on the staff of Submarine Squadron 10, Benson assumed command of the submarine USS Trigger (SS-237)
USS Trigger (SS-237)
was a Gato-class submarine, the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the triggerfish, any of numerous deep-bodied fishes of warm seas having an anterior dorsal fin with two or three stout erectile spines....
on August 29, 1942. Edward L. Beach
Edward L. Beach, Jr.
Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. was a highly-decorated United States Navy submarine officer and best-selling author....
would later credit Benson's leadership during the next four war patrols for restoring the crew's morale. Ironically, Benson's most far-reaching contribution to the submarine campaign against the Japanese Empire was the failure to sink the aircraft carrier Hiyō
Japanese aircraft carrier Hiyo
Hiyō was a of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Begun as an ocean liner in 1939, she was purchased by the Navy Ministry in 1941 for conversion to an aircraft carrier...
during his final war patrol as Triggers skipper. This proved to be the "final straw" for Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood
Charles A. Lockwood
Charles Andrews Lockwood was an admiral of the United States Navy. He is known in submarine history as the legendary commander of Submarine Force Pacific Fleet during World War II...
, the Commander Submarines Pacfific Fleet (COMSUBPAC
ComSubPac
Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet is the principal advisor to the Commander, United States Pacific Fleet for submarine matters. The Pacific Submarine Force includes attack, ballistic missile and auxiliary submarines, submarine tenders, floating submarine docks, deep submergence...
), who ordered the magnetic exploders be deactivated on the trouble-plagued Mark 14 torpedo
Mark 14 torpedo
The Mark 14 torpedo was the United States Navy's standard submarine-launched anti-ship torpedo of World War II.This weapon was plagued with many problems which crippled its performance early in the war, and was supplemented by the Mark 18 electric torpedo in the last 2 years of the war...
.
For distinguished service in command of the Trigger, Benson was awarded the Navy Cross, a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross, a Silver Star Medal, and a Gold Star in lieu of a second Silver Star Medal. Trigger also received the Presidential Unit Citation. He was promoted to Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
in 1943.
Relieved of command of the Trigger in July 1943, he was placed in command of the Prospective Submarine Commanding Officer’s School at the New London Submarine Base.
From June to October 1944, Benson commanded the submarine USS Razorback (SS-394)
USS Razorback (SS-394)
USS Razorback , a Balao-class submarine, was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for the razorback, a species of whale found in the far southern reaches of the Pacific Ocean. It is arguably the longest-serving submarine still existing in the world, having been commissioned by two...
and later commanded Submarine Division 43. Benson led a wolfpack
Wolfpack
Wolfpack or wolf pack may refer to:* Pack , a group of wolves that live, feed, and travel as a family groupIn entertainment:* Wolfpack, a Battletech novel written by Robert N...
consisting of Razorback, Trepang (SS-412)
USS Trepang (SS-412)
The first USS Trepang was a Balao-class submarine in the United States Navy. She was named for the trepang, a marine animal sometimes called a 'sea slug' or a 'sea cucumber', having a long, tough, muscular body and found in the coral reefs of the East Indies.When the contract to build her was...
, and Segundo (SS-398)
USS Segundo (SS-398)
USS Segundo , a Balao-class submarine, was a ship of the United States Navy named for the segundo, a cavalla fish of Caribbean waters....
that set sail on November 5, 1944. Operating in the Luzon Strait
Luzon Strait
The Luzon Strait is the strait between the island country of Taiwan and Luzon island of the Philippines. The strait thereby connects the Philippine Sea to the South China Sea in the western Pacific Ocean....
and the South China Sea
South China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...
, a convoy of seven escorted merchant ships was sighted and the three submarines made night attacks, sinking all of the merchant vessels, on December 6.
Benson led another wolfpack consisting of Razorback, Segundo, and Seacat (SS-399)
USS Sea Cat (SS-399)
USS Sea Cat , a Balao-class submarine, was a ship of the United States Navy named for a shortened form of sea catfish, a marine fish of little food value found off the southeastern coast of the United States.-World War II service:...
that set out for the East China Sea
East China Sea
The East China Sea is a marginal sea east of China. It is a part of the Pacific Ocean and covers an area of 1,249,000 km² or 750,000 square miles.-Geography:...
on February 1, 1945. Razorback sank four wooden ships in three separate surface gun actions and deposited three Japanese prisoners at Guam
Guam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
. Segundo attacked Japanese shipping off the Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n coast, sinking a cargo ship on March 11. Seacat attacked Japanese shipping off the coast of Kyūshū
Kyushu
is the third largest island of Japan and most southwesterly of its four main islands. Its alternate ancient names include , , and . The historical regional name is referred to Kyushu and its surrounding islands....
.
For outstanding services while in commanded Submarine Division 43, Benson was awarded the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
.
Cold War
Detached from sea duty in July 1945, Benson reported for duty in the Operational Readiness Section, Headquarters of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, at the Navy Department, in Washington, D.C. He was promoted to Captain in 1945.In March 1947, Benson was ordered to duty on the Staff of the Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet, as readiness and new developments office, becoming its war plans and intelligence officer in 1948.
In March 1949, Benson became the first Commander of Submarine Development Group Two (COMSUBDEVGRU Two), tasked to conduct ASW
Anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
research and development, when that unit was commissioned on May 9, 1948. In this capacity, Benson was responsible for the evolution of early post-war submarine tactics code-named Project Kayo. Commodore Benson remain in command COMSUBDEVGRU Two until August 1950.
After serving a two-year stint as the Director of Public Information, Office of Information in the Pentagon, Benson attended the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
from August 1952 to June 1953.
From the July 1953 to June 1954 Benson commanded the attack transport USS Bayfield (APA-33)
USS Bayfield (APA-33)
USS Bayfield was a built for the United States Navy during World War II, the lead ship in her class. Named for Bayfield County, Wisconsin, she was the only U.S...
with the United States Seventh Fleet
United States Seventh Fleet
The Seventh Fleet is the United States Navy's permanent forward projection force based in Yokosuka, Japan, with units positioned near Japan and South Korea. It is a component fleet force under the United States Pacific Fleet. At present, it is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with...
, and from August 1954 to August 1955, was the Commander Amphibious Squadron Six with the Sixth Fleet operating in the Mediterranean.
In September 1955, Benson was assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and on August 8, 1956, became Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel (Education and Training) with the rank of Rear Admiral.
On May 2, 1957, Admiral Benson assumed command of Cruiser Division One in Yokosuka, Japan. In June 1958, he became Deputy Commander in chief of Staff, Military Sea Transportation Service, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. In March 1960 he assumed command of the Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC
ComSubPac
Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet is the principal advisor to the Commander, United States Pacific Fleet for submarine matters. The Pacific Submarine Force includes attack, ballistic missile and auxiliary submarines, submarine tenders, floating submarine docks, deep submergence...
), with headquarters at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
From September 1962 to June 1966, Benson was Assistant Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Director of Naval Administration, Navy Department, after which he served as director of a special task force until February 1969.
In April 1967 he reported as Commandant of the First Naval District, with additional duty as Commander of the Boston Naval Base.
Rear Admiral Roy Stanley Benson retired on January 1, 1969.
Awards and decorations
Benson received the Navy CrossNavy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
with Gold Star, the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
Medal with Gold Star, the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with two Gold Stars, Commendation Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with two stars.
He also received he Yangtze Service Medal
Yangtze Service Medal
The Yangtze Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created in 1930 for presentation to members of the U.S. Navy and United States Marine Corps...
; American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp
American Defense Service Medal
The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:...
; American Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was...
with three stars; World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of...
; National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
with bronze star; Korean Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who...
; United Nations Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
The United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950...
; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon
Philippine Liberation Medal
The Philippine Liberation Medal is a military award of the Republic of the Philippines which was created by an order of Commonwealth Army of the Philippines Headquarters on December 20, 1944...
.
Benson also was awarded the Royal Order of the Sword, Commander, First Class, from the Government of Sweden; Grand Star of Military Merit by the Government of Chile; and Peruvian Cross for Naval Merit (Grand Officer) Distantivo Blanco by the Government of Peru.
Navy Cross
Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Roy S. Benson, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237) on the Third War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 December 1942 to 22 January 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Sea of Japan. Lieutenant Commander Benson, by his skill and excellent judgment maneuvered his ship, undetected, into an assigned area or laying mines, successfully conducted the mine laying operation and observed the destruction of one 8,400 ton enemy vessel from the mines laid by his submarine. He then carried out aggressive and skillful torpedo attacks resulting in the sinking of 15,271 tons of enemy shipping. Despite enemy counter efforts he brought his submarine through without damage to material or injury to personnel. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 324 (March 1944):
Citation: The Navy Cross (First Gold Star) is presented to Roy S. Benson, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237) on the Fifth War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 April 1943 to 21 June 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Japanese coast line. Lieutenant Commander Benson directed the operations and torpedo fire of his vessel with splendid initiative and expert tactical skill. On one occasion on 28 May 1943, his ship was responsible for severe damaging of an enemy aircraft carrier. Lieutenant Commander Benson contributed greatly to the success of his command in sinking an important amount of Japanese shipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Silver Star
Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star Medal:
Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity in action… as Commanding Officer of a United States Submarine during a war patrol of thatvessel. Despite adverse weather conditions, his determination and tenacity enabled himto deliver successful attacks which damaged or sank more than 21,000 tons of enemyshipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and inkeeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Legion of Merit
Gold Star in lieu of the Second Legion of Merit (1967):
Citation: As Assistant Vice Chief of Naval Operations/Director of Naval Administration, Rear Admiral Benson consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, resourcefulness and managerial ability in planning, organizing and coordinating the many diverse activities of his office. He was deeply involved in the planning for, and implementation of, the reorganization of the Navy Department and, in March 1966, directed the preliminary work leading to the preparation of studies and analysis which became part of the data input to the Task Force which he was designated to direct. As Director of a Task Force to study the structure of the Department of Navy incident to the unilinear organization effected in May 1966, Rear Admiral Benson inspired confidence and created an atmosphere of objective and rational approach to the many problems of a complex organization and its related intricate tasks and responsibilities, contributing in large measure toward the implementation of many of the recommendations of the Task Force even before its final plan and recommendation had been promulgated. His tact, diplomacy and adroitness in gaining the acceptance of officials involved in these recommendations was a major achievement in itself ...
Gold Star in lieu of the Second Legion of Merit (1969):
Citation: ... Rear Admiral Benson displayed skilled diplomacy, sound judgment, and outstanding leadership in coordinating the activities of the many Naval commands in his area, thereby greatly enhancing the support provided to the operating forces of the Navy. His relationship with the civilian community was particularly exemplary and was characterized by mutual respect and vigorous action in solving mutual problems. [His] thorough knowledge of the organization and management of the Navy, coupled with his ability to communicate with conviction and expertise, made him an invaluable asset in enhancing the position of the Navy. Through his personal attention and constant support of recruitment in the Regular Navy and the Naval Reserve, he contributed greatly to the success of the Navy recruiting program in the first naval District. Largely due to [his] skillful guidance, the First Naval District was commended by the Department of Defense for the excellent summer recreation program offered to disadvantaged youths of the area ...
Presidential Unit Citation - USS
TriggerPersonal
In 1949, Benson married the former Vida Wimbrow Connole (1917–1965) of Annapolis, Maryland, widow of Commander David R. Connole who was the last commanding officer of the submarine TriggerUSS Trigger (SS-237)
was a Gato-class submarine, the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the triggerfish, any of numerous deep-bodied fishes of warm seas having an anterior dorsal fin with two or three stout erectile spines....
which was lost off Japan in March 1945. Mrs. Benson was the sponsor at the launch of the new post-war submarine Trigger
USS Trigger (SS-564)
USS Trigger , a , was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for the triggerfish, any of numerous deep-bodied fishes of warm seas having an anterior dorsal fin with two or three stout erectile spines....
, with Edward L. Beach
Edward L. Beach, Jr.
Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. was a highly-decorated United States Navy submarine officer and best-selling author....
as its first commander officer, on June 14, 1951. Admiral Benson and Mrs. Benson are interred at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery
United States Naval Academy Cemetery
The United States Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium is a cemetery at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.-History:In 1868 the Naval Academy purchased a sixty-seven acre piece of land called Strawberry Hill as part of their efforts to expand after the American Civil War....
, and are survived by Rickart Alan Connole (b. 1944).
Regarding the fate of his fellow submariners in the Cold War era, Benson noted:
External links
- Official Biography
- Profile @ Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) website
- USS