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1946 U.S.S. Benson DD-421 : 1940-1946 Navy

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Recommended Citation , "U.S.S. Benson DD-421 : 1940-1946" (1946). World War Regimental Histories. 160. http://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/ww_reg_his/160

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Commander Edwin E. Lord USN- Commanding USS Benson (DI>-421) The Commander United States EIGHTH Fleet, in the name of the President of the United States, awards the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Commander Edwin E. Lord, U. S. NAVY

CITATION For distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as Commanding Offi­ cer of the U.S.S. BENSON during fire support operations off the coast of the Franco­ Italian Riviera in October, 1944. Lieutenant Commander Lord exhibited great skill and resourcefulness while engaged in numerous fire support operations against enemy shore installations near the Franco-Italian border. He maneuvered his ship with such faultless sea. manship that despite heavy and well-directed enemy counter-fire and the pres­ ence of known minefields in the immediate ar-ea, . concentrated and accurate bombardments were effectively delivered against enemy harbor and dock facil­ ities and self-propelled guns. Through his inspiring and resolute leadership, he was largely responsible for inflicting severe damage on hostile installations along the invasion coast, thereby contributing materially to the weakening of enemy resistance and the ensuing rapid advance of the ground forces into en­ emy-held territory. The exceptional ability, aggressive leadership under fire, and outstanding de­ votion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Lord reflected credit upon himself and the Naval Service. HENRY K. HEWITT , United States Navy, Commander - U. S. Eighth Fleet

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- lsi Row, !. to R. Smiley, R. H. Berman, A. L. Solana, J. M. Heckroth, R. H. 3rd Row, L. to R. 4th Row, L. to R. 5th Row, L. to R. Gun 1st Row, L. to R. Dyke, R. C. Wright, G. E. Anton, F. D. Smith, G. M. 2nd Row, L. to R. Buckingham, F. M. Grundy, H. L. Coles, G. G. Smith, M.S. Del Torto, R. Rourke, W. E. Eagan, J. T. Clark, J. A. Martinson, E. De Berry, S. J. Sigl, P. F.· Fortner, H. W. Lerew, J. C. Morrill, J. M. Yancey, G. A. Grether, E. F. Felt, K. R. Panella, F. Bocchino, J. Crawford, J. H. Dunlop, J. T. Jones, J. P. Gun 2nd Row, L. to R. Gray, F. L. Lord, E. E. Brown, D. J. Martin, J. H. Sirigos, B. Beechel, F. V. Yearley, C. Pashchak, A. Geffken, F. Pryor, C. M. Payne, H. W. Lindberg, D. S. Wood, C. A. Pettersson, K. E. Whitney, D. A. Giles, T. A. Wittenberger, W. W. Rockett, R. J. Brainard, B. C. Gabriel, E. F. VanHouten, W. F. May, C. E. .Self, P. A. O'Connor, J. J. Mancini, L. J. Matheson, N. E. Fitzsimmons, H. J. Bergeron, R. L. Gun 3rd Row, L. to R. Nelson, B. J. Saunders, E. W. Humphrey, B. L. Eggert, R. W. Beach, H. P. Davis, 0. Wimberley, W. W. Graves, R. E. Childs, 0. T. Walters, E. W. Mahon, J. C. Wigman, T. Salveson, :fl. M. Ojerholm, P. S. Murphy, R. C. Carr, N. A. Nestor, J. W.

~- - --=------~-- - 6th Row, L. to R. Healy, C. D. Greenberg, R. I. Lyons, G. J. Blake, H. B. Patton, J. F. Zarrelli, J. Krause, W. J. Thibodeau, J. W. Melberg. D. L. Davis, C. W. Adams, C. Allen, E. 0. Gallo, F. S. Welsh, J. Swann, 0. Smith, M.S.

Gun 1st Row, L. to R. Adams, J. R. Long, L. Fitzpatrick, M. J. Flood, P. A. 1st Row, L. to R. 2nd Row, L. toR. 3rd Row, L. to R. 4th Row, L. to R. 5th Row, L. to R. Gun 2nd Row, L. to R. Beach, W. E. Teegarden, J. B. Berardo, C. P. Garity, N. E. Lombard, R. D. Waggoner, C. E. Courson, L. H. Cozine, C. H. Lucov, M. J. Swift, R. S. Cantrell, J. Y. Adams, G. F. Carlino, S. Henry, R. R. Fusco, F. W. Crull, A. J. Nelson, D. D. Reamer, G. B. Douglass, R. L. Henchbarger, W. A. Evanylo, H. Huffman, G. L. Sloan, L.A. Bentley. L. J. Jordan, L. A. Maylor, P. L. Combs, A. P. Allen, G. W. Wolf, H. Hayne, H. L. Sacharanski, F. A. Bearzi, J. Gallant, H. F. McCarty, J. E. Bland, J. W. Casalino, J. A. Lamirand, W. H. Erickson, J. R. Vc::xkes, W. P. Jenkins, F. Fitzgerald, J. Donnon, C. A. Baxter, W. R. Crawford, C. J. Verbickey, J. P. Connolly, M. Bruce, F. A. Bartley, W. G. Marine, F. K. Foreman, W. P. Winter, W. Albert, J. A. Gun 3rd Row, L. to R. Vandal. F. J. Essenbreis, F. R. Blakley, J. W. Hartikainen, E. W szulkowski, H. Zinkhan, J. E. Maguire, K. J. Hoffman, E. A. Bleiler, P. W. Rowland, G. E. Brice, G. Zanoni, J. Johnson, F. H. Lingle, P. F. Daniels, C. E. Stocker, H. B. Garrison, E. Wolfe, E. L. Ivey, W. W szolek, H. E. Ernstmeyer, F. T. Follansbee, R. L. Lewis, G. L. Finney, T. F. Schlottmann, R. C. Lewis, G. L. lst Row, L. to R. Gainor, R. Little, H. Crooks, H. H.

2nd Row, L. to R. Allender, R. Rosenberger, G. P. Dean, H. E. Liebman, L. Lattimer, L. Davis, W. H. Mason, 0. P. Onisko, J. Panapada, A. E. Barton, W. Burke, D. B. 4th Row, L. to R. 5th Row, L. to R. 6th Row, L. to R. Gun 1st Row, L. toR. Gun 3rd Row, L. to R. Finkelstein, G. Whipple, R. A. Murphy, B. A. Lymburner, J. E. Watts, C. D. Cooke, A. J. Pechota, J. M. O'Gara, D. N. Closta, W. Hunt, J. H. VanAuken, F. T. 3rd Row, L. to R. Angell, W. J. Friedlander, D. Smith, J. J. DiGiovanna, T. J. Goodman, J. T. Fleck, L. H. Faron, E. W. Fisher, G. H. Dell'Orefice, J. P. Foley, J. Berger, R. W. Durkin, J, P. Cappadona, A. J. Oliver, J. C. Walukonis, A. E. Malley, J, Broncato, N. A. Dyson, E. Kerr, E. G. Gun 2nd Row, L. to R. Gun 4th Row, L. to R. Walker, E. A. llderton, A. W. Ucko, B. M. Sauer, G. A. Watts, S. E. Riddle, W. I. Lareau, E. M. Hathorn, W. L. Carter, P. B. Smoot, J. R. McGoey, J. J. May, C. W. McGraw, E. W. Kossen, A. G. Frady, C. J. Barsky, B. A. Wilson, R. J, McCoy, D. R. Canuette, C. L. Burke, J. C. Grady, D. J. Boss, C. R. Warner, D. G. Blunck, J. L. Borda, W. P. Mizzene, P. H. Donovan, E. J. Lawrence, F. J. Yothers, P. C. Donnelly, M. F. Gunn, P. E. Green, R. H. Cannon, J. E. Tann, B. Murray, F. E. Buchanan, D. J. MacDonald, D. J. Neway, W. E. Cassaday, R. G. Goodwin, D. L. Skopaz, E. J. Collette, L. 0. Adams, A. C. Noga, J. F. Care, F. Verros, J. H. Hendricksmeier, C. J. uno ·o 1apun q:>tDM ,''. ,, front of Okinawa, and then the final "kill" in Tokyo Bay. L The BENSON participated in six · operations, four of them in­ covered hundreds of thousands of ocean convoy duty, and not BENSON-escorted ship was sunk through enemy action. May, 1941-six months before of the U.S.S. of the United States into World and until the Japanese sur­ telide!rec:L the BENSON sailed convoy BENSON (DD-421), is one combat. Because we lacked .suitable in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean a class of thirty-two , escort ships, destroyers were used to pro­ the Pacific. Scores of times she was known as "Benson Class of 1937-1940." tect convoys, as well as to guard our the target of enemy attacks, and her The BENSON is one of thirty destroyers combatant Task Forces. Destroyers were rocky career was climaxed in the Med­ built to Bethlehem-prepared plans. used to bombard enemy shore positions, iterranean in 1944, when the German Air The BENSON is named for Admiral and to carry bombs and aviation gaso­ Force pounced on a convoy the BENSON William S. Benson, U.S.N., and was built line, and stores to Guadalcanal during was escorting. Although the ship was at the Company Plant, the lean weeks, early in the campaign in subjected to torpedo, horizontal and glide Quincy, - authorized those far-distant seas. bombing, as well as strafing, she shot March 27, 1934; keel laid May 16, 1938; By nature as well as by name, the down two "Ju-88's", had another "prob­ launched November 15, 1939 and first purpose of · the is wholly of­ able", and damaqed several more planes commissioned July 25, 1940. fensive Bantamweights in comparison without receiving damage to ship or per­ Some of the characteristics of the with the great battlewagons, they pack sonnel. BENSON class are: square funnel caps a punch out of proportion to their size. The BENSON was on patrol duty be­ and bases; uneven h~ight of stacks. De­ They are triple-threat weapons, built to tween Charleston, S. C., and , stroyers of this class are ten tons lighter strike at the enemy on or over or under Mass., as early as January, 1941. Follow­ r.md eight inches narrower than destroy­ the sea. They are the "fightingest things ing her first patrol under wartime con­ ers of a later class, known as the "LIVER­ afloat." ditions, in the Atlantic, in May of 1941, MORE" type; otherwise they are similar. the BENSON saw convoy duty from the Both classes have four high-pressure "FROM GREENLAND'S ICY MOUNTAINS TO INDIA'S CORAL STRAND" United States to , Great Britian, boilers, geared turbines and twin screws. and later to North Africa, where she took Cruising range exceeds 9,000 miles at IS­ HE log of the BENSON reveals a cov­ part in the invasion of the Dark Continent. knots. The "BENSON" class, DD-421 to T erage of the Seven Seas, in every While acting as anti-aircraft screen , DD-428 were originally armed with five known type of duty-patrol on anti-sub­ in the assault at Gela, , the BEN­ 5-inch-38's, and ten tubes. A few still marine duty; convoy duty from the sun­ SON assisted in minefield operations, carry ten tubes. Light armor protects kissed shores of Bermuda to the ice­ was under aiz: attacks numerous times, bridges and· controis in all newer de­ blasted coasts of Greenland and Iceland; shot down another German plane, and stroyers. then participation in invasion thrusts at suffered minor damages and casualties Little has been written of the part the North African Coast; on to Sicily and from several "near misses." The BENSON that destroyers played in World War II, and to Southern on "D-Day." made numerous patrols and offensive where they were called on to fulfill such Then came the final stages of the War in sweeps off , Italy, and supported a variety of missions that they were mul­ the Pacific, and the BENSON "contin­ the leapfrog landings of the SEVENTH ti-purpose ships, engaging in any form of ued-the-motion" in Philippine waters, in ARMY, along the coast of NQithern Italy, giving bombardment assistance to our ported the French MONTCALM forces ashore. During August 1943, the and JEANNE D' ARC, during the Battle of BENSON took part in the first shore bom­ San Remo, and was the target of enemy bardment of the Italian mainland. explosive boats when she returned to Soon after, while delivering six-inch Italian waters to support United States ammunition to cruisers, under fire at Sa­ Lines, as the German threatened to break/ lerno, the BENSON was credited with de­ through to the ship. stroying another German plane. In May In April of 1945, the BENSON re­ of 1944, north of , , the BEN­ turned to the United States for overhaul­ SON took part in an anti-submarine ing and transfer to the United States action which resulted in the sinking of a Pacific Fleet. On June 20, 1945, the BEN­ German U-Boat. SON acted as a screening unit for the During the invasion of Southern Aircraft Carriers LEXINGTON, HAN­ France, the BENSON acted as anti-air­ COCK and COWPENS, and participated craft support to a Task Force, backed up in the bombardment of Japanese-held landing operations, formed outgoing con­ . voys, instructed incoming convoys, and In addition, the BENSON escorted acted as traffic control vessel for the as­ transports and tankers between sault. Atoll and Okinawa. One phase of the While on patrol duty in a fire sup­ BENSON'S duties in the Pacific saw her port area near , France, the BEN­ as Flagship for Task Force 94.62 and SON blockaded enemy merchant ships in Task Group 94.6, which . command had San Remo Harbor, fired on supply build­ charge of all escort and patrol duties in ings, and retired after the targets had the Western Caroline Islands. been destroyed. The BENSON also sup- In the two months following the sur-

U. S. notables at Casablance confer­ render of Japan, the BENSON escorted ence, Jan. 14 to 24, 1943. Seated, left five different groups of convoys between the and Tokyo Bay. As Flag­ to right: General George C. Marshall, ship for the screening force of Task Force Army Chief of Staff; President Roose­ 33, the BENSON played a very important velt; Admiral Ernest J. King, Com­ part on September 2, 1945. These duties mander-in-Chief; U. S. Fleet, and Chief were carried out during season, of Naval Operations. Standing, left to and in spite of difficult weather condi­ right: Harry L. Hopkins, Lt. General tions the BENSON carried out each oper­ Harry H. Arnold, Army Air Forces ation successfully. Commander; General Somervell; W. As one of the ships participating in Averill Harriman, U. S. defense ex­ the operations along the Coast of South­ pediter in London. ern France and Northern Italy, the BEN­ SON received the following commenda­ tion from Rear Admiral P. Jaujard, Com­ mander of the French Flank Force: ternally united in the labors and dangers of the sea. The bonds of friendship and comradeship which were shown will nev­ MARINE NATIONALE er disappear. I am confident that after F. S. GLOIRE, Flagship Flank Force, having played a role, which was never 4 May 1945 . Staff Order. small, in the conduct of the war, the FLANK FORCE may yet, in this way, ORDER OF THE DAY make its contribution in the construction On May second, the enemy forces of the peace. in Italy surrendered. I express to the Naval officers and enlisted seamen who This hope lessens the regret which I have been placed under my command have in separating myself from the ships my complete satisfaction. and their crews who have given me nothing but the occasion of being proud In a struggle which has been so of them. gloriously ended, the FLANK FORCE has played an important part. Shore bom­ Real Admiral P. Jaujard, bardments, raids on the Italian ports, con­ Commander of the FOURTH stant patrols and attacks against ships and the FLANK FORCE whenever the occasion arose, have been brought to bear on an enemy on the sur­ face of a sea, which all in all, they con­ trolled. When circumstances required of you a constant vigil, in the course of scouting missions which were most unpleasant, you have shown a high quality of en­ durance, but when your encounters with the enemy tested your military qualities, you have g_iven all that I expected of you. You have been -rewarded with brilliant success. During these months, American, Brit­ ish and French seamen have lived ira- Adopted-Icelanders Land Hoi =>nuouv aqt u! paopadzo.L BRONZE STAR

' Commander Edwin E. Lord -1\,o.-. WOUNDED IN ACTION NAME: RATING: SCENE OF ACTION: DATE: BLOOM, Virgil N., SF-3c Sicily July 1 L 1943 CASSANERIO, Charles S -1c Sicily July l L 1943 D'ALOISE, Julian M., GM-2c Sicily July 1 L 1943 DUNNE, Richard B., TM-2c Sicily July ll, 1943 EURE, Harvey L., TM-3c Sicily July ll, 1943 FITZSIMMONS, Harry J .• MM-1c Sicily July 11, 1943 FOLEY, Gerald F., S -1c Sicily July l L 1943 KLUCHINSKY, George M., SF-2c Sicily July 1 L 1943 LITTLE, Henry G., S -2c Sicily July l L 1943 LOUIS, Anton S -2c Sicily July 11, 1943 MOORE, William E., EM-3c Sicily July 11, 1943 NOWAK, Frank, Jr., SC-1c Sicily July ll, 1943 ROBERTS, George R., TM-3c Sicily July l L 1943 SPILLE, Harold E., Lt.-MC Sicily July ll, 1943 SZGUCZKO, Ignatius, BM-1c Sicily July 11, 1943 TEEGARDEN, Jerald B., S -1c Sicily July 11, 1943 VERBICKEY, Joseph P., S -1c Sicily July ll, 1943 WALTERS, Ernest W., S -2c Sicily July ll, 1943 WOODAMAN, Ronald J., LtCom. Sicily July ll, 1943 YOUNG, Mazell SM-3c Sicily July ll, 1943

• •••

-- - 1940 JULY OCTOBER Commissioned July 25, 1940. To Cayenne, French Guiana; to San At for upkeep. Juan, Porto Rico; to Norfolk, Va.; to Hampton Ro~ds, Va. AUGUST NOVEMBER Underway to Provincetown, Mass.; to At , Va.; underway Portland, ; to Boston, Mass.; to with U.S.S. DAHLGREN, to act as plane Newport, R. I.; to Yorktown, Va.; to Guan­ guard for the U.S.S. WASP, and to con­ tanamo Bay, Cuba. duct exercises off Coast; under­ SEPTEMBER way to Lynnhaven Roads, Va.; to Norfolk, Va. At Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; under­ way to Washington, D. C.; to Norfolk, DECEMBER Va.; to Cayenne, French Guiana; to Ille At Norfolk, Va.; underway to New­ de Saint, French Guiana, with Governor port, R. I.; to Cape Cod Canal, Mass.; to of French Guiana and party of officials; Provincetown, Mass.; to Boston-there to Paramanbo, French Guiana. for the holidays. Convoy

Alongside a conette A destroyer moves along in the early morning at sea 1941 JANUARY marck", which sortied from , May Cruising between Boston, Mass. and 21, and was sunk May 27th. To Boston, Charleston, S. C.; to Navy Yard Boston, for overhaul. Mass. for repairs; cruising, Boston to Newport to Argentia, Newfoundland; to JUNE Newport; to Norfolk for overhaul. First convoy from Boston to Icela nd. FEBRUARY JULY To Charleston, S. C.; underway to Convoy duty, United States to Ice­ Everglades, Florida; to Norfolk, Va. for land. overhaul. AUGUST MARCH To Boston for overhaul; exercises in At Everglades, Florida; cruising off Casco Bay. The Bahamas, with the President of the SEPTEMBER United States; to Norfolk, Va. Convoy duty, Boston to Iceland. APRIL OCTOBER At Norfolk. Va.; cruising in Chesa­ Convoy and escort duty; to Boston peake Bay and Newport. R. I. areas. for overhaul. MAY NOVEMBER First Patrol under wartime conditions Convoy duty, Boston to Iceland. in Atlantic Ocean, in company with the U.S.S. TEXAS, and other battleships and DECEMBER cruisers, in area from Greenland to The Escort duty, Boston to Iceland; to Azores, in search of German Raider "Bis- Boston for overhaul. Nosing through heavy sea 1942 JANUARY JULY Patrol off Boston Harbor; to Boston Escort duty, United States and the for repairs. British Isles. FEBRUARY AUGUST Convoy duty, United States to Ice­ Escort duty, United States and the land. British Isles. SEPTEMBER MARCH New York Navy Yard for overhaul. To Boston for overhaul; convoy duty, Convoy duty between United States and Londonderry and return. the British Isles. APRIL OCTOBER Convoy duty, Londonderry run. Exercises off New London, Conn.; convoy duty, New York to ; MAY convoy duty, U. S. to British Isles. :Soston, for overhaul; Patrol off East NOVEMBER Coast of United States, between Boston Convoy duty, U. S. to Casablanca, and The ; to New York for over­ and U. S. to British Isles. haul. DECEMBER JUNE Miscellaneous duties in Navy Yard, Convoy duty, United States and Pan­ New York, and training exercises Casco ama. Bay, Maine Area.

Gunnery practice at sea

Spuds for chow Battle stations

Destroyer cutting through wake of results observed. Escort duty NCS-1. from Oran to assault area at Gela, Sicily. Acted as anti-aircraft screen in operations in assault area at Gela, Sicily; assisted 1943 in minefield operations. Under air attack and suffered minor damages and cas­ JANUARY MAY ualties from several "near misses." Es­ Escorting convoy to Casablanca with Convoy duty, Norfolk, to Oran, Al­ corted French Cruiser BETELOEUSE from Task Force 30. giers, with Task Force 60; training exer­ Gela to Algiers. Escorted U.S.S. BROOK­ . FEBRUARY cises off Oran; en route to . LYN to assault area, Licata, Sicily and Escort duty, Gibraltar to Casablanca JUNE returned to Algiers. Escorted U.S.S. and return. Miscellaneous training front Escort duty. Gibraltar to Oran. Pa­ BIRMINGHAM from Algiers to Oran. Es­ of Casablanca. Convoy duty from Casa­ trols off Oran. Escorted Task Groups 81.5 corted U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM and U.S.S. blanca to New York with Task Force 38. and 81.6 from Algiers to Oran. Escorted BROOKLYN, from Algiers to Oran. Es­ MARCH HMS. DELTA from Oran to and corted merchant convoy from Oran to Training exercises and escort duties, returned to Oran. Palermo. east coast U. S. JULY AUGUST APRIL Submarine patrols off Oran; drop­ On anti-aircraft and anti-submarine Training exercises. ped depth charge patterns on July 1; no patrol off Palermo, Sicily. Under air at-

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';J Firing during night action tacks on I August and 4 August. Prob­ SEPTEMBER ably destroyed one "FW-I90" during' at­ With Task Force 81, escorting convoy tack. Escorted NAUSET and SHUBRICK NSF-I from Oran to assault area off Saler­ in tow, to . Fired on BRANDT at no, Italy. Under air attacks while acting as night on IO August, due to breakdown of anti-aircraft screen in assault area. With recognition procedures. Returned to Pal­ U.S.S. PLUNKETT, MAYO, NIBLACK, es­ ermo, Sicily. Numerous patrols and of­ corted the U.S.S. ( damaged) PHILADEL­ fensive sweeps off Palermo. Supporting PHIA and SAVANNAH, to Malta. Return­ advance of SEVENTH ARMY along coast ed with U.S.S. NIBLACK to . Un­ of Northern Italy. Giving shore bombard­ der numerous air attacks in assault area. ment assistance as necessary. Made of­ Escorted ANCON to Palermo. Returned fensive sweep off Marine Del Patti with to Salerno with 6-inch ammunition for Sicily 1943 U.S.S. BOISE and U.S.S. ROWAN. Fired cruisers and delivered same under fire. on targets of opportunity at Milasso, Sic­ Shot down one "FW-I90" in morning at­ ily. Dropped depth charges on submarine tack. Under numerous air attacks in this contact, no results. Conducted first shore area. Acting as anti-aircraft support ship bombardment of Italian Mainland on I8 for U.S.S. . Made numer­ August in company with U.S.S. NIBLACK, our sweeps with U.S.S. NIBLACK and U.S.S. PLUNKETT, U.S.S. GLEAVES, U.S.S. PHILADELPHIA and BOISE on various PHILADELPHIA, and U.S.S. BOISE, at shore bombardment and other missions. Cioja, Italy. Escort duty, Palermo to Bi­ In company with U.S.S. GLEA YES, es­ zerte. Patrol duty off Oran and Algiers. corting ANCON to Palermo. Escorted U.S.S. BOISE and U.S.S. SA­ OCTOBER y ANNAH, to Oran. Training exercises off With U.S.S. NICHOLSON, escorting Oran. ANCON to Algiers. Rescued survivors

Italian Sub surrenders

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Another Kraut

General quarters! Depth charges are armed and fired from Wellington Bomber Crew. Patrol MAYO, and others, escorted U.S.S. PHIL­ duty off Oran. Escort duty to , ADELPHIA, and TRANSPORT DIVISION Italy. Escort duty, Naples to Oran. U.S.S. 5, from Oran to Gibraltar and returned to BRISTOL sunk from station astern on 13 Oran. Patrol operations off Oran. Up­ October. Carried ammunition for U.S.S. BOISE to Algiers. Esscorted U.S.S. keep period in Oran. Escort duty to BROOKLYN to Naples. Under heavy air Naples, Italy. attacks in Naples Harbor. Made night DECEMBER sweeps with U.S.S. NIBLACK and BROOK­ LYN. Made shore bombardment with Escort duty, Naples to Oran. Gun­ U.S.S. NIBLACK and BROOKLYN in Gulf nery exercises off Oran. Annual Military of Gaeta, Italy. Escorted U.S.S. BROOK­ Inspection. Anti-submarine search off Al­ LYN to Palermo. Escorted Convoy SNF-6, giers. Dry-docked in Algiers. Escorted from Palermo to Oran. Convoy NSF-10 to Naples. Escort duty, NOVEMBER Naples to Oran. Upkeep period in Oran; In company with U.S.S. LUDLOW, escort duty, Oran to Naples and return.

Supplies Salerno beachhead Admiral Sir Andrew Browne Cunning­ ham, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Vice Admiral H. K. Hewitt and Maj. Gen. W. B. S. Smith.

H-hour Salerno Bomb hit

Battle Salerno

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Night-Blooming Ack-Ack - War supplies its own "Fc;dse dawns" in the tremendous cannonades of illuminated shells hurled by warships during night air raids. This "study in black and white" was made in Salerno after the opening of the battle for the mainland. Allied ships segment the darkness with interwoven fire to prevent point-blank bombing. -- . ------~ - 1944 JANUARY or lost. Commanding Officer awarded Anti-submarine search off Coast of SILVER STAR MEDAL for his action in Spain. Escorting merchant ship convoy battle. Returned to Oran. Gunnery exer.. from Oran to Naples; relieved crt Bizerte cises off Oran. Upkeep period in Oran. and returned to Oran. Proceeded from Anti-submarine operations north of Oran Oran to Casablanca. As CTF -62, escorted with U.S.S. LUDLOW and NIBLACK, re­ GUS 28 from Casablanca to New York. sulting in sinking of German Submarine FEBRUARY U-960. Upkeep period in Oran. Yard overhaul and training exercises JUNE on East Coast of U. S. Escorted convoy to Bizerte, Palermo, MARCH Naples and Algiers, and returned to Same as February. Oran. Escorted BISCAYNE and CATOC­ APRIL TIN to Algiers, and BISCAYNE to Naples. With Task Force 27.4, made sweeps JULY across Atlantic to Oran. Escort duty, Oran to Naples. Escorted Anzio beachhead MAY SAMARIA from Naples to Oran. With Upkeep in Oran. Escorting convoy Task Force 60, escorted convoy USF-12 UES-40 en route from Gibraltar to Bizerte. to Naples. En route to upkeep at Gibralfar. Underwent glide-bomb, torpedo attack Escorted MARIPOSA with LUDLOW to from about 30 German planes on 11 May, Oran. Escorted Convoy KMF -33 to Naples. east of Algiers. Shot down 2 "JU-88's", At Naples Harbor. ·"' probably· destroyed another and dam­ AUGUST aged several others. No ships damaged As a unit of Task Group 80.6 ac_t7d

Hospital ships off Anzio

Anzio

Sister ships alongside as anti-aircraft support, support force for enemy qun positions; target destroyed. assault area screen in invasion of South­ Fired on two enemy MAS Boats alongside ern France. Formed outgoing convoys, in­ doek in San Remo with cruiser plane structed incoming convoys, and acted as spotting; .both boats and dock destroyed. traffic control for the invasion. Overhaul Observed explosions at night; result of in Ajaccio, , alongside DENEBO­ self-destruction of enemy explosive boats LA. astern U.S.S. GLEAVES, sister patrolling SEPTEMBER ship. Fired on railway tunnels in enemy Escorted DENEBOLA to St. Tropaz, territory; experienced heavy return fire France. Patrol duty as "jig" ship, off Mar­ from enemy ·shore batteries; withdrew seilles. Proceeded to Gulf of Juan, from enemy shore batteries under smoke France, to join FLANK FORCE for shore screen. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. In bombardment and patrol in support of Toulon Harbor, France, for fuel, ammu­ the advance of the FIRST AIRBORNE nition and upkeep. Escorted U.S.S. TASK FORCE, U.S. ARMY, along the BROOKLYN to St. Tropaz; patrol in mined Riviera. On patrol duty in shore bom­ area off fire support area. In Oran for bardment off Franco-Italian Border. Fired upkeep. two missions; one on vehicle concentra­ NOVEMBER tion, and another on self-propelled gun Patrol duty off fire support area; positions. Received many near misses escorting U. S. Minesweepers; under fire from return fire from German shore bat­ of enemy shore batteries; withdrew with teries. Withdrew under cover of smoke Minesweepers. Fired mission on _troop screen. Received two minor personnel concentration and barracks; heavy re­ casualties from shrapnel. Fired mission at turn fire; withdrew under smoke screen. night on enemy troop concentrations. Target area well covered. In Toulon, OCTOBER France, for upkeep. Patrol duty off fire Patrol off fire support area; fired on support area. Blockade of enemy mer-

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chant shipping in San Remo Harbor; fired withdrew under smoke screen. En route on enemy supply buildings; return fire · to Oran. Tender availability alongside experienced; withdrew under smoke U.S.S. VULCAN. Patrol in fire-support screen; target destroyed. Supported Cruis­ area; fired on gun emplacement; mission er MONTCALM for bombardment of San accomplished; fired on railway station; Remo. Patrol off mined waters. Screened area well covered; target directly hit; French Cruiser JEANNE D' ARC for fir­ heavy return fire; withdrew under smoke ing missions. In Toulon, France, for up­ screen. Fired mission on second gun em­ keep. placement; fired mission on enemy sup­ . DECEMBER ply buildings; proceeded to Leghorn, Patrol in fire support area; fired mis­ Italy, to provide Naval gun fire support sion on bridge on enemy supply route; for threatened German breakthrough on area well covered. Heavy return fire; United States lines in North Italy.

Luzon

1945 JANUARY ing mines with machine gun fire. ·Com­ En route to Gulf of Juan, Toulon, for manding Officer received BRONZE STAR fuel. Patrol off fire support area; attacked MEDAL for operations in fire support by enemy explosive' boats; escorted area. COMDESRONSEVEN shifted pen­ French Cruiser GEORGE LEYGUES in nant to BENSON; escorted GUF-19 to firing mission on enemy shipyards at United States. Yard overhaul and train­ Pietra, Italy, and proceeded to Leghorn. ing on East Coast of U. S. Patrolled off North Italian Coast in vicin­ FEBRUARY ity of German Lines. Returned to Gulf At Navy Yard, New York. of Juan. Moored in Oran, Algiers, hav­ MARCH ing been detached from Flank Force. At Navy Yard, New York. During this period in assault area and APRIL and fire support area, destroyed 46 float- With CTG 63.1 in BENSON, proceed-

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ed to Plymouth, Engk:md, and returned riers while their planes bombed and with LST Convoy 4. Due to sonar cas­ machine-gunned . strategic points on Jap­ ualty, drydocked in Plymouth one day anese-held Wake Island. Escorting Task for repairs; dropped pattern on possible Force 12.4.2 to , Philippine Islands. submarine contact on return trip. To Ulithi Islands. MAY JULY Navy Yard availability. · Proceeded Proceeded to Fais Island transporting from New York to Canal Zone to report to Ulithi Atoll Commander and Staff, Port COMDESPAC for duty. In Balboa Harbor, Director, Ulithi Commander Task Group Canal Zone, for fuel and upkeep. To San 94.6 and Task Unit 94.6.2 ( Commander Diego, California. To Pearl Harbor, T.H., Destroyer Seven), f9r purpose to report to COMDESPAC for duty. Var­ of trading with natives, treating those re­ ious gunnery, radar and navigation ex­ quiring medical attention, and to ascer­ ercises during this period. tain if any Japanese had returned JUNE to Island. Escorting troop ships to Buck­ Gunnery, Radar and Navigation ex­ ner Bay, Okinawa. Returned to Ulithi ercises, etc. Proceeded as part of Task Atoll, escorting OKU-13. COMDESRON 7 Force 12.4.2 to act as escort for U.S.S. shifted pennant to BENSON. Commander LEXINGTON, U.S.S. COWPENS, and Destroyer Squadron 7 in charge of TG U.S.S. HANCOCK. Screened aircraft car- 94.6 and TU 94.6.2. BENSON moored to

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D9S tD senddns puo f>upJ ..U9S Telephone Buoy, Ulithi Islands, all this way escorting LST 6 to Yokohoma, later period. Japan. AUGUST OCTOBER Commander Destroyer Squadron 7 Underway escorting LST Flotilla 6 to shifted to HUGHES, with pennant. Pro­ . Returned to Yokohoma with LST ceeded with all of Division 13 to rendez­ FLOT 6, due to bad weather. Underway vous with TRANSRON 16, off Northern again with LST Flotilla 6 to Manila. Un­ , for escort duty to Tokyo Bay, derway with LST FL T 6 to Yokohoma. Japan. Rendezvous with TRANSRON 16, NOVEMBER · and proceeded to Tokyo.Bay, Japan, with In Yokohoma, Japan, for fuel and up­ the first occupation troops. keep. Underway with DESDIV 13 for . SEPTEMBER Pearl Harbor, T. H.; detached from Screening ships of TRANSRON 16 PAC FLT and proceeded with Destroyer while landing occupation troops in Yoko­ Division 13 to San Diego, California. Pro­ homa section. In Yokohoma for fuel and ceeded to Coco Solo, R. P., with Destroyer upkeep. In company with U.S.S. MADI­ Squadron 13. Passed through the Panama SON and MAYO, escorted Task Group Canal. 33.1 to Leyte, Philippine Islands. In com­ DECEMBER pany with U.S.S. MADISON and MAYO, Underway with Destroyer Division 13, proceeded to Manila, Philippine Islands. for Navy Yard, Charleston, S. C. At Underway to Batangas Bay, P.l. Under- Charleston, S. C., for deactivation. Anti-Aircraft-Battery

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Awaiting the signal OMDUP£0 suof>oM. S{lJDS: -- And Results

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JANUARY MARCH At Charleston, S. C., for deactivation. Decommissioned and transferred to FEBRUARY INACTIVE FLEET. 1946 At Charleston, S. C., for deactivation. The last "Skipper" to command the ship participated so commendably in the Mediterranean and Pacific Theatres, the U.S.S. BENSON (DD-421 ), Commander Invasion of Sicily, the North Sicilian Navy and Country as a whole can well Edwin E. Lord, U.S.N., issued a "Memo­ Operations, the Invasion of Italy at Sa­ point with pride to the fact that no randum to all hands" dated 29 August lerno, the Invasion of Southern France, BENSON-escorted ship has ever been 1945, and gave his "Well Done" salu­ a long period of close-range shore bom­ sunk or damaged as a result of enemy tation to every man that served aboard bardment of German batteries and other action, even though this vessel has escort­ this ship: installations along the Italian coasts, and ed some of the largest and most valuable numerous aircraft and submarine attacks. of convoys· through enemy waters and at U.S.S. BENSON (DD-421 ), Your ship was credited with the destruc­ times under the most unfavorable of con­ c/ o Fleet Post Office, tion of at least three German aircraft, ditions. San Francisco, California, probably two others, and the damaging I say again that I am proud to have 29 August 1945. of several others; participation in the served with all of you, and am equally sinking of a German submarine; the de­ as proud to have served in this destroyer MEMORANDUM TO ALL HANDS: struction of two German or Italian M.A.S. which has distinguished itself against the boats; many direct hits on all types of enemy so long and so effectively. enemy shore installations in the Mediter­ All hands are permitted to include "YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO VICTORY" ranean; and not the least of your achieve­ in their personal correspondence material ments, the sinking in a very short period about any of the operations mentioned in The Commanding Officer takes great of time with your own gunfire of approx­ this letter. This is not an official Navy , pleasure in congratulating all members imately fifty enemy floating mines. Men press release, but all hands dre given of the ship's company of this command serving in the BENSON were awarded permission to forward this brief resume for their part in bringing about the total twenty-five Purple Hearts; her Command­ of the deeds of your gallant destroyer to defeat of our enemies. I am very proud to ing Officers were awarded the Silver your homes and to your home town news­ have had the opportunity of serving with Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and papers for publication as you may deem each and all of you. a Letter cif Commendation from Com­ proper. The Navy's part in this war has never mander, U. S. EIGHTH Fleet. The BEN­ Many of the men of this command been insignificant; likewise, the BENSON SON has been awarded five "Battle will become eligible for discharge within has played no small role in contributing Stars," and was recommended for the a short time. Return to our homes and to the victory that is today ours. In this Navy Unit Commendation as a result of families means much to all of us, and to struggle, which has ended so gloriously, our exploits off the shores of North Africa, you who will be leaving, I want to give you have played an important part. In all Sicily, Italy and France. you all a hearty "Well Done," and encounters with the enemy you have We have not yet served in the Pa­ "Smooth sailing in the future." I should given all that could be expected of you, cific for a comparable length of time, be very pleased to have the opportunity and you have always been rewarded but we have already escorted a large of serving with you again at any time. with brilliant success. carrier task group during heavy aircraft To the men who will remain on board, Since May, 1941, the BENSON has strike on Japanese-held Wake Island, I know that you will continue to carry been actively engaged in this war, oper­ and have escorted large fleet units and on the high standards of this vessel and ating six months before Pearl Harbor valuable convoys to the Philippine Is­ the United States Navy as you have in against the German Navy in the Atlantic lands and to Okinawa. the past. To you I also say, "Well Done." ~ and affording protection to convoys in the During participation in this war, the No matter what the future holds in store, r:: heaviest of North Atlantic weather in con­ BENSON has steamed approximately I know that the proud spirit of the BEN­ stant danger of U-Boat attacks. Probably 275,000 miles, and has withstood without SON will continue to guide your actions. your greatest achievements, however, serious damage practically every type of E. E. LORD, were attained during the long tours of attack that the enemy has been able to Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy, ~ ~ duty in the Mediterranean, where the mount. During operations in the Atlantic, Commanding. Tokyo Bay- Sept. 1945 And so, in March of 1946, the BENSON came HOME. As U.S.N. There, on the dock, the last crew to trod the decks of the last shrill notes of the Boatswain's whistle piped ".A,ll the BENSON, paid their respects. Hands to Muster", the BENSON'S signal flags were lowered, The BENSON now swings with the tide, in a friendly and her Commission Pennant stowed away. stream, far-removed from the chilly blasts of Arctic storms A friendly, puffing Navy Yard Tug came 'longside­ and tropical winds; far-removed from the wrath of war; safe made fast her lines, and the BENSON slid gracefully away at last in the land of birth of those who trod her decks. from the dock. As both ships nosed slowly up-stream, a group The log of the BENSON is worthy of all honor and glory of sailors stood quietly at attention, flank-ed by the last "Skip­ that has come to our arms; her story another contribution to per" to Command the BENSON, Commander Edwin E. Lord, best traditions of the United States Navy. The BENSON shqll not grow old; Time shall not weary Her, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, Her crew will remember Her.

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.. "ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE"

1. Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm doth bind the restless wave, Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; 0 hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. 2. 0 Saviour, whose almighty word The winds and waves submissive heard, Who walked'st on the foaming deep, And calm amidst its rage didst sleep; 0 hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. 3. 0 Sacred Spirit, who did'st brood Ul?on the chaos dark and rude, Who bad'st its angry tumult cease, And gavest light and life and peace; 0 hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. 4. 0 Trinity of love and power, Our brethren shield in danger's hour; ·From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them where-so-e'er they go, Thus ever let there rise to Thee, Glad hymns of praise from land and air and sea.

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' Date Due Bangor Public Library, Bangor, Maine This book is due on the last date stamped below. The same date appears on yor- ':' rary .S~N 'll~~CIICo card. The number following trP d• ' ';hat of your library card. Pie~ en- tion any disct:P- - ·v t t's. Loans are not · U. S.

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For Reference

Not to be taken

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