Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Steward's Mate Second Class

Unit:

U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11),

Citation:
"For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a Petty Officer aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces when his ship was attacked by a Japanese dive bomber from the starboard side of the ship in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 29 October 1944. Trained and assigned to a gun tub on the port side of the Intrepid, Steward's Mate Second Class Benjamin was in position on 29 October 1944, when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the ship from starboard, aiming directly for Steward's Mate Second Class Benjamin's position. Grabbing his 20-mm. anti-aircraft gun and pointing it across the flight deck, he immediately began firing. He remained at his post and continued to shoot until the plane finally crashed, its wings shot off, into the gun tub, severely burning the him, injuring others and killing 10 of his fellow gun crew. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States."

At the time of the action he held the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.