Roy S. Benson
| Roy Stanley Benson | |
|---|---|
Roy Stanley Benson
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Ensign, Pigboat Benny |
| Born |
December 7, 1906 Concord, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Died | February 7, 1995 (aged 88) Washington, D.C. |
| Buried | US Naval Academy Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1929-1969 |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Commands held |
USS Trigger (SS-237) USS Razorback (SS-394) Submarine Division 43 Submarine Development Group Two USS Bayfield (APA-33) Amphibious Squadron Six Cruiser Division One Submarine Force., U.S. Pacific Fleet First Naval District Boston Naval Base |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Battle of Midway Cold War Korean War |
| Awards |
Navy Cross (2) Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (3) |
Roy Stanley Benson (December 7, 1906 – February 7, 1995), nicknamed "Ensign", was a veteran submarine commander in World War II who later served as the Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) during the Cold War.
Roy Stanley Benson entered the United States Naval Academy in 1925. He graduated and commissioned as an Ensign in June 1929.
Ensign Benson served on the battleship USS New York (BB-34) until December 1930, and then served three years on the destroyer USS Smith Thompson (DD-212) operating with the Asiatic Fleet. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) in 1932.
In June 1934, Lt. (jg) Benson reported in June 1934 for submarine instruction at the New London Submarine Base, in New London, Connecticut. Completing the course in December 1934, Benson subsequently served on submarines R-14, S-42, and S-27. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant in 1937.
Lt Benson served as an instructor in Navigation at the Naval Academy from June 1937 to May 1939. One of the midshipmen in his navigational classes was Edward L. Beach who would later served with Benson during World War II.
In June 1939, Benson joined the destroyer USS Hovey as its executive officer. In February 1941, he reported for duty on the submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) also as its executive officer.
Benson received a Letter of Commendation, with authorization to wear the Commendation Ribbon, for his role as executive officer and navigator on the USS Nautilus during the Battle of Midway. The Nautilus also received the Presidential Unit Citation for this engagement. Benson was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1942.
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