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 Rear Admiral Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1962 to February 1967. As Assistant Vice Chief of Naval Operations/Director of Naval Administration, Rear Admiral Benson consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, resourcefulness and managerial ability in planning, organizing and coordinating the many diverse activities of his office. He was deeply involved in the planning for, and implementation of, the reorganization of the Navy Department and, in March 1966, directed the preliminary work leading to the preparation of studies and analysis which became part of the data input to the Task Force which he was designated to direct. As Director of a Task Force to study the structure of the Department of the Navy incident to the unilinear organization effected in May 1966, Rear Admiral Benson inspired confidence and created an atmosphere of objective and rational approach to the many problems of complex organization and its related intricate tasks and responsibilities, contributing in large measure toward the implementation of many of the recommendations of the Task Force even before its final plan and recommendation had been promulgated. His tact, diplomacy and adroitness in gaining the acceptance of officials involved in these recommendations was a major achievement in itself.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Trigger (SS-237)Action Date:
December 3, 1942 – January 22, 1943
Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 32 (1943) & Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 318 (September 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 December 1942 to 22 January 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Sea of Japan. Lieutenant Commander Benson, by his skill and excellent judgment maneuvered his ship, undetected, into an assigned area or laying mines, successfully conducted the mine laying operation and observed the destruction of one 8,400 ton enemy vessel from the mines laid by his submarine. He then carried out aggressive and skillful torpedo attacks resulting in the sinking of 15,271 tons of enemy shipping. Despite enemy counter efforts Lieutenant Commander Benson brought his submarine through without damage to material or injury to personnel. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Submarine Division 43Action Date:
June – October 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Submarine Division 43 from June to October 1944. Commander Benson made many material contributions to the training, overhaul and general readiness of submarines in his division. During this time, submarines under his command completed many war patrols which resulted in the sinking and damaging of many thousands of tons of enemy shipping. Much of the credit for the many successful war patrols and the severe damage inflicted upon the enemy was due to his efficient administration, excellent judgment and inspiring leadership.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Trigger (SS-237)Action Date:
April 30 – June 21, 1943
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 39 (August 17, 1943)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 Lieutenant Commander Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 April 1943 to 21 June 1943, in enemy controlled waters along the Japanese coast line. Lieutenant Commander Benson directed the operations and torpedo fire of his vessel with splendid initiative and expert tactical skill. On one occasion on 28 May 1943, his ship was responsible for severe damaging of an enemy aircraft carrier. Lieutenant Commander Benson contributed greatly to the success of his command in sinking an important amount of Japanese shipping. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Benson brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Trigger (SS-237)Action Date:
September 23 – November 8, 1942
Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 32 (1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters close to the Japanese homeland from 23 September 1942 to 8 November 1942. With great courage and daring, Lieutenant Commander Benson pressed home attacks against enemy forces and, as a result, the TRIGGER sank one freighter of 5,000 tons and damaged 24,100 tons of enemy shipping. Despite enemy counter efforts Lieutenant Commander Benson brought his submarine through without damage to material or injury to personnel. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Trigger (SS-237)Action Date:
February 18 – April 6, 1943
Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 32 (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 Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area from 13 February 1943 to 12 September 1943. Despite adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Commander Benson’s determination and tenacity enabled him to deliver successful attacks which damaged for sank more than 21,000 tons of enemy shipping. Despite enemy counter efforts Lieutenant Commander Benson brought his submarine through without damage to material or injury to personnel. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from April 1967 to January 1969 as Commandant of the FIRST Naval District, with additional duty as Commander of the Naval Base, Boston, Massachusetts. Rear Admiral Benson displayed skilled diplomacy, sound judgment, and outstanding leadership in coordinating the activities of the many Naval commands in his area, thereby greatly enhancing the support provided to the operating forces of the Navy. His relationship with the civilian community was particularly exemplary and was characterized by mutual respect and vigorous action in solving mutual problems. His thorough knowledge of the organization and management of the Navy, coupled with his ability to communicate with conviction and expertise, made him an invaluable asset in enhancing the position of the Navy. Through his personal attention and constant support of recruitment in the Regular Navy and the Naval Reserve, he contributed greatly to the success of the Navy recruiting program in the FIRST Naval District. Largely due to his skillful guidance, the FIRST Naval District was commended by the Department of Defense for the excellent summer recreation program offered to disadvantaged youths of the area. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Rear Admiral Benson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Navy.