The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Carter Lowe Bennett (NSN: 0-72374), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS-405), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 19 November 1944 to 15 January 1945, in enemy controlled waters in the Northeastern Part of the East China Sea. Conducting five successful torpedo attacks against Japanese anti-submarine vessels despite shallow waters and heavy enemy air activity, Commander Bennett contributed materially to the success of his ship in sinking a 1,300-ton Japanese destroyer and a 300-ton patrol craft and, executing skillful evasive tactics, he avoided intense enemy anti-submarine measures. By his outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty, Commander Bennett upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
Pacific Fleet board Awards: Serial 40 (September 9, 1943)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 Lieutenant Commander Carter Lowe Bennett (NSN: 0-72374), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of a submarine on war patrol in enemy Japanese controlled waters. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into striking position, Lieutenant Commander Bennett attacked the enemy with aggressive determination and outstanding courage and succeeded in sinking or damaging an important amount of Japanese shipping. Despite strong hostile countermeasures, he evaded the enemy by his prompt and expert tactics, finally bringing his vessel safely into port. Lieutenant Commander Bennett’s superb leadership and gallant devotion to duty reflect great credit upon his command and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Cuttlefish (SS-171)Action Date:
July 29 – September 20, 1942
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Carter Lowe Bennett (NSN: 0-72374), United States Navy, for extremely gallant and intrepid conduct as Executive Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. CUTTLEFISH (SS-171), during her highly successful and aggressive THIRD War Patrol in enemy controlled waters from 29 July 1942 to 20 September 1942, which resulted in the sinking of 29,600 tons of enemy shipping. The outstanding skill and courage displayed by Lieutenant Commander Bennett in the supervision of repairs during severe depth charge attacks on the CUTTLEFISH was an inspiring example of efficiency and coolness in a critical situation and served to maintain the high morale of the crew throughout the patrol operations. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 26 (June 14, 1963)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Captain Carter Lowe Bennett (NSN: 0-72374), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from June 1954 to May 1963.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Sea Owl (SS-405)Action Date:
World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Carter Lowe Bennett (NSN: 0-72374), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS-405) during a war patrol of that Submarine. Despite many days of monotonous and unproductive patrolling, during which no contacts were made with the enemy, he continued his search with great determination and persistence. Eventually, contact was made with an enemy fleet unit and after a brilliant approach he launched a smashing torpedo attach which sent the valuable warship to the bottom. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Bennett is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Permit (SS-178)Action Date:
August 23, 1943 – June 1944
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 43 (November 28, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Carter Lowe Bennett (NSN: 0-72374), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PERMIT (SS-178), on the TENTH through TWELFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 August 1943 to June 1944, in enemy controlled waters. Fighting his ship with bold, tactical skill, Lieutenant Commander Bennett launched repeated, daring attacks against hostile forces and, maneuvering his vessel for maximum combat efficiency, succeeded in sinking or damaging an important amount of enemy shipping. His efficient and inspiring leadership, maintained despite the great mental and physical strain of prolonged patrols in alien waters, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.