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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

NH 56151 Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion, USN

Photo #: NH 56151  Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion, USN
Description: Who was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for devotion to duty and courage during the Pearl Harbor attack, 7 December 1941, while serving as Commanding Officer of USS West Virginia (BB-48). U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
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Medal of Honor citation of Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 156):


"For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet at Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. West Virginia, after being mortally wounded, Captain Bennion evidenced apparent concern only in fighting and saving his ship, and strongly protested against being carried from the bridge."

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