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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral Benedict Joseph Semmes, Jr. (NSN: 0-73394), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower and Naval Reserve) and Chief of Naval Personnel from April 1964 through March 1968. During this crucial period of an accelerating tempo of operations incident to the conflict in Southeast Asia, Vice Admiral Semmes has demonstrated dynamic leadership, outstanding executive ability and exceptional foresight in anticipating and solving the diverse personnel problems associated with rapidly expanding manpower requirements. By his insight and perceptiveness as a result of long experience in manpower and personnel matters, he has provided an authoritative voice in manpower decisions at the executive levels of the Navy, Department of Defense and before the Congress. Despite the pressure of increasing personnel requirements, Vice Admiral Semmes has remained steadfast as the champion of the Navy’s men and women. His deep concern for their morale and welfare has been manifested in programs he has vigorously sponsored to increase compensation eligibility, educational opportunity and career attractiveness. Major improvements in planning and management techniques to provide more effective personnel utilization have clearly demonstrated Vice Admiral Semmes’ ingenuity and flair for innovation. His forthright presentation of facts and authoritative opinions before Congress and other leaders of the Government has provided a better understanding of the Navy’s objectives. His dedicated service and brilliant record of achievement during this period reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    April 1964 – March 1968
    Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 03451 (September 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Benedict Joseph Semmes, Jr. (NSN: 0-73394), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower and Naval Reserve) and Chief of Naval Personnel from April 1964 through March 1968. During this crucial period of an accelerating tempo of operations incident to the conflict in Southeast Asia, Vice Admiral Semmes has demonstrated dynamic leadership, outstanding executive ability and exceptional foresight in anticipating and solving the diverse personnel problems associated with rapidly expanding manpower requirements. By his insight and perceptiveness as a result of long experience in manpower and personnel matters, he has provided an authoritative voice in manpower decision in the executive levels of the Navy, Department of Defense and before the Congress. Despite the pressure of increasing personnel requirements, Vice Admiral Semmes has remained steadfast as the champion of the Navy’s men and women. His deep concern for their morale and welfare has been manifested in programs he has vigorously sponsored to increase compensation eligibility, educational opportunity and career attractiveness. Major improvements in planning and management techniques to provide more effective personnel utilization have clearly demonstrated Vice Admiral Semmes’ ingenuity and flair for innovation. His forthright presentation of facts and authoritative opinions before Congress and other leaders of the Government has provided a better understanding of the Navy’s objectives. His dedicated service and brilliant record of achievement during this period reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Picking (DD-685)

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1945
    Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 03451 (September 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Benedict Joseph Semmes, Jr. (NSN: 0-73394), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PICKING (DD-685), in action against the enemy on 18 May 1945, during the assault and occupation of Okinawa. Gallantly responding to the need for assistance by a friendly destroyer grounded on a reef within one mile of the hostile coast, Commander Semmes skillfully maneuvered his ship through the hazardous, obstructed waters in a determined attempt to re-float the stricken vessel. Unsuccessful in this mission because of inadequate towing facilities and with both ships highly vulnerable under the sudden attack by hostile shore batteries, Commander Semmes promptly countered the enemy’s devastating fire with powerful blasts from the PICKING’s heavy guns, handling his ship superbly to evade the shattering barrages while screening the damaged destroyer. Again closing the helpless vessel, he daringly stood by, continuing his fierce and relentless bombardment of opposing shore emplacements and rendering heroic service in the rescue of personnel. His alert initiative, aggressive determination and inspiring leadership under enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon Commander Semmes and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    October 1970 – July 1971

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral Benedict Joseph Semmes, Jr. (NSN: 0-73394), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from October 1970 to July 1971 as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Surface), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. During this period, Vice Admiral Semmes maintained the surface fleet in a high state of readiness, combining all available units to obtain the most flexible and effective surface forces possible. His personal decisions and guidance influenced the configuration and capabilities of all ship types and methods of warfare, not only for the present by for decades to come. Vice Admiral Semmes provided the blueprint for many of the Navy’s most critical programs of the future including LAMPS, Anti-Ship Missile Defense, and the new PF Class ship. While planning for the Navy of the future, he was ever mindful of the condition of our present operating forces. He monitored the modernization of surface ships while striving to keep operational commitments within force capabilities. Vice Admiral Semmes exercised the finest managerial skill by remaining within severe budgetary limitations while extracting the greatest possible value for each dollar spent. His outstanding leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.