The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the
CITATION:
“For extraordinary heroism in action as a Fighter Direction ship on Radar Picket duty during the Okinawa Campaign, April 1, to June 1, 1945. A natural and frequent target of the heavy Japanese aerial attack while occupying advanced and isolated stations, the U.S.S. BENNION defeated all efforts of enemy Kamikaze and dive-bombing planes to destroy her. Constantly vigilant and ready for battle day and night, she sent out early air warnings, provided fighter direction and, with her own fierce gun fire downed thirteen hostile planes, shared the destruction of others and routed many more; and she rendered valiant service in preventing the Japanese from striking in force the Naval Forces off the Okinawa Beachhead. A valiant fighting ship, the BENNION, her officers and her men withstood the stress and perils of vital Radar Picket duty, achieving a gallant combat record which attests the teamwork, courage and skill of her entire company and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Source: Bill Parkinson
