#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Mervyn Bennion

On the Navy’s 245th birthday, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Mervyn Bennion, who received a Medal of Honor for his actions Dec. 7, 1941.

Mervyn Bennion was born in Vernon, Utah, May 5, 1887. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1906, and graduated near the top of his class. Bennion commissioned as an ensign in June 1910.

His first assignment was to the armored cruiser USS California from 1910-1912. While on his first assignment Bennion had various duties including acting as a fire control officer, navigator, and gunnery officer. From 1936-1937, Bennion served on the USS Arizona, and was later assigned as the commanding officer of the USS West Virginia.

On December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Bennion was on the bridge of the USS West Virginia delivering orders to his crew. Tragically a bomb blew up a part of his command deck, mortally wounding Bennion. Despite attempts by his crew to move him to the first aid station, Bennion refused and remained at his post using one arm to hold his wounds closed. Bennion and 105 other crew members were among the casualties aboard the USS West Virginia. Because of Bennion’s leadership, everyone else made it out alive.

He posthumously received a Medal of Honor for his actions.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Editor: Joseph Cardinal

Fact checker: Claire Dufault

Graphic artist: Deanna Cannon