Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Benjamin
Ballard
Cheatham
1910-11-28

–

1996-10-03

Home:

Franklinton

, 

North Carolina

Benjamin Cheatham graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1933. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1950 – March 28, 1951
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 551 (March 27, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Benjamin Ballard Cheatham (NSN: 0-72254/1100), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Readiness Officer and Assistant Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander SEVENTH Fleet during operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Theater from 31 July 1950 to 28 March 1951. Exercising outstanding ability and professional skill, Captain Cheatham assisted directly in supervising and coordinating the employment of the forces of the Fleet during an extremely critical period. By his sound knowledge of the operational and tactical requirements involved in the task, and by his constant attention to important details, he was largely responsible for the maintenance of the Fleet at a high degree of efficiency and readiness, thereby contributing materially to the success of vital operations against the enemy. Captain Cheatham’s untiring efforts, capable leadership and steadfast devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coghlan (DD-326),

    Action Date:

    August 8, 1943 – October 12, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Benjamin Ballard Cheatham (NSN: 0-72254/1100), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COGHLAN (DD-326), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 8 August 1943 to 12 October 1944. During this prolonged period of operations, Commander Cheatham directed his ship in the bombardment of Wake Island, the assault and occupation of Saipan and Tinian, and the protection of landings at Ormoc Bay. Effectively evading or driving off enemy air attacks he carried out his hazardous duties without damage to his ship. His professional skill, courage and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Cheatham is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coghlan (DD-326),

    Action Date:

    December 11 – 12, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0656 (February 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Benjamin Ballard Cheatham (NSN: 0-72254/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COGHLAN (DD-326), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Ormoc, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 11 – 12 December 1944. Screening a convoy which was carrying urgently-needed supplies to isolated U.S. Army forces, Commander Cheatham skillfully maneuvered his ship and effectively directed her batteries against enemy planes in two heavy daylight air attacks and intermittent night harassment, thereby contributing materially to the successful completion of the mission. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.