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Adapted from "Rear Admiral Roy Stanley Benson, United States Navy, Deceased" [biography, dated 27 February 1969] in Modern Biographical Files collection, Navy Department Library.
 

Adapted from "Rear Admiral Roy Stanley Benson, United States Navy, Deceased"
[biography, dated 27 February 1969] in Modern Biographical Files collection, Navy Department Library.
Topic
  • Boats-Ships--Submarine
Document Type
  • Biography
Wars & Conflicts
  • Yangtze Service 1926-1927, 1930-1932
  • Korean Conflict 1950-1954
  • World War II 1939-1945
File Formats
  • Image (gif, jpg, tiff)
Location of Archival Materials
  • NHHC-Library

Roy Stanley Benson

7 December 1906-7 February 1995


Photo of Rear Admiral Roy S. Benson copied from page 355 of the 1929 edition of the U.S. Naval Academy yearbook 'Lucky Bag'.

Roy Stanley Benson was born in Concord, New Hampshire, on December 7, 1906. He graduated from high school in that city. He joined the Navy by entering the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, in 1925. Graduated and commissioned Ensign in June 1929, he subsequently was promoted as follows: Lieutenant (junior grade), 1932; Lieutenant, 1937; Lieutenant Commander, 1942; Commander, 1943; Captain 1945; Rear Admiral, 1956.

After graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1929, he joined USS New York, and served as a junior officer of that battleship until December 1930. Following three years’ duty in the Destroyer Smith Thompson, operating on the Asiatic Station, he reported in June 1934 for submarine instruction at the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut. Upon completing the course in December 1934, he had successive duty in the Submarine R-14, S-42, and S-27. He was returned to the Naval Academy where from June 1937 until May 1939 he had duty as an instructor in Navigation.

In June 1939 he joined the Destroyer Hovey as Executive Officer, and served in like duty in the Submarine Nautilus from February 1941 until August 1942. For meritorious services in the Nautilus, after the entry of the United States into World War II, he received a Letter of Commendation, with authorization to wear the Commendation Ribbon, from the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet. He also received a facsimile of, and Ribbon for, the Presidential Unit Citation awarded the Nautilus for action during its first war patrol. The citations follow:

Letter of Commendation – Commander in Chief, Pacific: “For material assistance during the successful attack on a screened Japanese aircraft carrier during the engagement off Midway Island in June 1942. The attack delivered despite repeated enemy antisubmarine measure consisting of gunfire barrage by surface ships and aircraft, depth charging and bombing, resulted in three torpedo hits being made on the 10,000 ton carrier, which sank the carrier.”

Presidential Unit Citation – USS Nautilus: “For outstanding performance in combat during three aggressive war patrols in enemy-controlled waters. Operating far from the home base, the Nautilus sought out the enemy and boldly struck, inflicting severe damage on enemy shipping. Her fine fighting spirit implemented by the expert seamanship and skill of her officers and men reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.”

After brief duty on the Staff of the Commander, Submarine Squadron TEN, he assumed command of the Submarine Trigger on August 29, 1942. For distinguished service in command of the Trigger, he was awarded the Navy Cross, a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross, a Silver Star Medal. He also received a facsimile of, and Ribbon for, the Presidential Unit Citation awarded USS Trigger. The citations follow in part:

Navy Cross: “For extraordinary heroism and exceptional achievement as Commanding Officer of USS Trigger during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Area while carrying out an assigned task. Skillfully maneuvering his submarine…(he) accomplished a difficult minelaying operation and personally observed the destruction of an 8,400 ton vessel resulting from contact with one of his mines. Later…he executed aggressive and daring attacks on hostile ships, sinking 15,271 tons of enemy shipping, and…bought his ship safely to port…”

Gold Star in lieu of second Navy Cross: “For extraordinary heroism…patrolling in dangerous, enemy controlled waters (he) directed the operations and torpedo fire of his vessel with splendid initiative and expert tactical skill. On one occasion…his ship was responsible for the severe damaging of an enemy aircraft carrier…(he) contributed greatly to the success of his command in sinking an important amount of Japanese shipping.”

Silver Star Medal: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity…as Commanding Officer of USS Trigger during a submarine war patrol in enemy-controlled waters…spent close to the Japanese homeland. With great courage and daring, (he) pressed home the 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…brining his vessel back to port with no material damage and with his crew in excellent fighting spirit.”

Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star Medal: “For gallantry and intrepidity in action…as Commanding Officer of a United States Submarine during a war patrol of that vessel. Despite adverse weather conditions, his determination and tenacity enabled him to deliver successful attacks which damaged or sank more than 21,000 tons of enemy shipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officer and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Presidential Unit Citation – USS Trigger: “For outstanding performance in combat during her Fifth, Sixth and Seventh War Patrols against the enemy. Employing highly daring and hazardous tactics, USS Trigger struck at the enemy with consistent aggressiveness, seeking out and pursuing her targets with dogged determination regardless of unfavorable attack conditions. Her exceptionally notable record of severe damage inflicted on hostile shipping and the gallant fighting spirit of her officers and men reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.”

Relieved of command of the Trigger in July 1943, he was placed in command of the Prospective Submarine Commanding Officer’s School, Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut. From June until October 1944 he commanded Submarine FORTY-TWO [THREE]. For outstanding services he was awarded the Legion of Merit, citation stating in part:

“…He 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…”

Detached from sea duty in July 1945, he reported for duty in the Operational Readiness Section, Headquarters, Commander in Chief, US Fleet, Navy Department, Washington, DC. In March 1947, he was ordered to duty on the Staff of the Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet, as Readiness and New Developments Officer, and in 1948 became War Plans and Intelligence Officer on that Staff. In March 1949 he became the first Commander of Submarine Development Group TWO, when that unit was commissioned, remaining in command until August 1950.

After serving for two years as the Navy’s Director of Public Information, Office of Information in the Pentagon, he was a student at the National War College, Washington, DC, from August 1952 until June 1953. He commanded USS Bayfield (APA-33) of the Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet during the period July 1953 until July 1954, serving most of the time with the SEVENTH Fleet in the Far East. From August 1954 until August 1955 he was Commander Amphibious Squadron SIX, Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet, and spent most of that time with the SIXTH Fleet in the Mediterranean.

In September 1955 he was assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Navy Department, and on August 8, 1956 Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel (Education and Training). On May 2, 1957 he assumed command of Cruiser Division ONE in Yokosuka, Japan. In June 1958 he became Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, Military Sea Transportation Service, with headquarters in Washington, DC.

In March 1960 he assumed command of the Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, with headquarters at Pear Harbor, Hawaii, and from September 1962 until June 1966 was Assistant Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Director of Naval Administration, Navy Department, after which he served as Director of a Special Task Force until February 1969. “For exceptionally meritorious service…from August 1962 until February 1967…” he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of the Second Legion of Merit. The citation continues in part:

“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 analyses which become 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 a 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…”

In April 1967 he reported as Commandant of the First Naval District, with additional duty as Commander of the Naval Base, Boston, Massachusetts, and “for exceptionally meritorious service…(in that capacity)…” he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of the Third Legion of Merit. The citation further states in part:

“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 force 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…”

On January 1, 1969 he was transferred to the Retired List of the US Navy.

In addition to the Navy Cross with Gold Star, the Silver Star Medal with Gold Star, Legion of Merit with two Gold Star, Commendation Ribbon and the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with two stars, Rear Admiral Benson has the Yangtze Service Medal; American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three stars; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He has also been awarded the Royal Order of the Sword, Commander, First Class, from the Government of Sweden; Grand Star of Military Merit by the Government of Chile; and Peruvian Cross for Naval Merit (Grand Officer) Distintivo Blanco by the Government of Peru.

Rear Admiral Benson is well qualified in the Scandinavian languages.

He died February 7, 1995. 

END 

Published: Tue Mar 31 13:10:49 EDT 2020