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208-NP-8FF-1: Steward's Mate Eli Benjamin, 1944

208-NP-8FF-1: Steward's Mate Eli Benjamin, 1944. African-American gunner, who stayed at his gun until a Japanese plane crashed into the gun position, was presented the Bronze Star medal at ceremonies on board USS Intrepid (CV-11). At the direction of Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, the award was presented to Steward’s Mate Eli Benjamin, who was cited for “extraordinary heroism.” Benjamin and five other African-American steward’s mates had volunteered to man a 20mm gun board the carrier. When under attack, Benjamin and his mates continued firing their gun at a flaming Japanese aircraft, even when it was apparent the plane was going to fall in their gun position. “The courage and skill he displayed were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service,” Vice Admiral Mitscher said. Official Office of War Information photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
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Caption: 208-NP-8FF-1: Steward's Mate Eli Benjamin, 1944. African-American gunner, who stayed at his gun until a Japanese plane crashed into the gun position, was presented the Bronze Star medal at ceremonies on board USS Intrepid (CV-11). At the direction of Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, the award was presented to Steward’s Mate Eli Benjamin, who was cited for “extraordinary heroism.” Benjamin and five other African-American steward’s mates had volunteered to man a 20mm gun board the carrier. When under attack, Benjamin and his mates continued firing their gun at a flaming Japanese aircraft, even when it was apparent the plane was going to fall in their gun position. “The courage and skill he displayed were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service,” Vice Admiral Mitscher said. Official Office of War Information photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
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  • Awards and Medals
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  • Photograph
Wars & Conflicts
  • World War II 1939-1945
Navy Communities
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Location of Archival Materials
  • National Museum of the U.S. Navy
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