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Benjamin
Katz
April 11, 1904

–

February 24, 1985

Benjamin Katz graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1926. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Taylor (DD-468)

    Action Date:

    July 13, 1945
    Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 1820 (April 1, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Benjamin Katz (NSN: 0-60268), 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. TAYLOR (DD-468) during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area, on 13 July 1945. When his ship obtained radar contact on an enemy submarine, Captain Katz skillfully maneuvered to effect maximum use of the ship’s battery and, by his expert direction of her guns, scored several hits on the bow and conning tower before the submarine dived. He then conducted a series of depth-charge attacks until sonar contact was lost and a large oil slick appeared. By his skilled leadership and perseverance throughout the attack, Captain Katz contributed materially to the probable destruction of the submarine and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Katz is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Taylor (DD-468)

    Action Date:

    July 12 – 13, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 001979 (September 28, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Benjamin Katz (NSN: 0-60268), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. TAYLOR (DD-468), in the van of a small Task Force during an engagement with enemy Japanese surface vessels off Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, on the night of 12 – 13 July 1943. When his ship encountered a covering force of Japanese cruisers and destroyers, Commander Katz skillfully maneuvered his ship into position and, in the face of heavy enemy fire, launched an aggressive and determined torpedo and gunfire attack in coordination with other destroyers in the Task Force. While at least four hostile ships were destroyed and two damaged and forced to retire as a result of this action, he and his gallant command brought the TAYLOR through the engagement unscathed. His brilliant seamanship and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Taylor (DD-468)

    Action Date:

    August 17 – 18, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 002122 (October 12, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Benjamin Katz, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. TAYLOR (DD-468), during operations in the Solomon Islands Area on the night of 17 – 18 August 1943. When an enemy Japanese force of four destroyers and a large number of landing barges endeavored under cover of night to reinforce the enemy garrisons in the Vella Lavella-Kolombangara Area, Lieutenant Commander Katz, with exceptional tactical skill under relentless gun and torpedo fire, led the TAYLOR in a brilliant interception of the hostile vessels. He fought his ship gallantly and contributed to the destruction of two destroyers, severe damage to a third and the annihilation of a number of landing barges. Having routed the enemy, he brought his vessel through this vital engagement unscathed. The superb leadership and unflinching courage displayed by Commander Katz and the loyal devotion to duty of his crew reflect great credit upon the United Stats Naval Service.