The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Benjamin Coe, United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ROSS (DD-563), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Palau, Marianas and Philippine Islands Areas from June 1944 to March 1945. Directing his ship with skill and aggressiveness, Captain Coe provided an effective screen for escort carriers at Saipan and later conducted shore bombardments at Palau, Ulithi and Homonhen, thereby inflicting considerable destruction on enemy forces and installations. Subsequently conducting an effective defense in the narrow restricted waters of Surigao Strait, he boldly fought off the attacking hostile aircraft and, despite his mine-damaged ship, succeeded in blasting three enemy planes out of the sky. By his tireless efforts, professional skill and staunch courage, Captain Coe contributed materially to the success of these vital operations, and his gallant devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Coe is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Hopkins (DD-249)Action Date:
August 7 & September 7 – 15, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Coe, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HOPKINS (DD-249), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 7 August and from 7 to 15 September 1942. Participating in the initial attack as a screening and minesweeping vessel, the HOPKINS, under Lieutenant Commander Coe’s courageous and skillful leadership, frequently re-entered the Guadalcanal-Tulagi Area, despite persistent opposition by Japanese aircraft, in order to escort and protect vessels carrying reinforcements and supplies to the United States Marine forces established on the island shore. Lieutenant Commander Coe’s gallant fortitude and conscientious devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of a vastly important mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Ross (DD-563)Action Date:
October 19, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Benjamin Coe, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ROSS (DD-563) in the naval operations immediately preceding the amphibious landings in the Philippine Islands, when his ship struck two floating mines in quick succession during darkness on the morning of 19 October 1944. During salvage and rescue operations, his ship was subjected to determined enemy bombing and strafing attacks. Even though his ship was alone and unsupported and in a crippled and alarmingly dangerous condition, by his courageous leadership and his calm, cool and intelligent directives, he caused his ship to fight off the attacks, succeeded in stopping leaks, corrected the list, and arrested further damage. Throughout the whole trying and precarious period, Commander Coe was an inspiring and confident example to his men. His efforts undoubtedly resulted in the saving of his ship and crew to fight again. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.