Mervyn S. Bennion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mervyn Sharp Bennion
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| Born | May 5, 1887 Vernon, Utah Territory |
| Died | December 7, 1941 (aged 54) Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii |
| Place of burial |
Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1910-1941 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Commands held | USS Bernadou (DD-153) Destroyer Division One USS West Virginia (BB-48) |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | |
Mervyn Sharp Bennion (May 5, 1887 – December 7, 1941) was a brave United States Navy captain. He served during World War I and was killed during the Attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II. At the time, he was in command of the battleship USS West Virginia. After his death, he received the Medal of Honor for his "amazing dedication to duty, incredible courage, and not caring about his own life."
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Early Life and Family
Mervyn Bennion was born in Vernon, Utah on May 5, 1887. His family belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His grandfather, John Bennion, was a Mormon pioneer who moved to Utah. He started successful cattle farms.
Mervyn lived near Preston, Idaho when he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy. He graduated as one of the top students in his class of 1910. His younger brother, Howard Bennion, also graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy.
After graduating, Bennion's first job was on the USS California. He worked in the engineering part of the ship. Later, he became an expert in weapons and gunnery. He worked at the Washington Navy Yard during World War I.
Captain Bennion's first time in charge of a ship was on the destroyer USS Bernadou. After that, he commanded Destroyer Division One. He took command of the battleship USS West Virginia on July 2, 1941.
Heroism at Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Captain Bennion was still in command of the USS West Virginia. He was badly wounded by a piece of metal from a bomb that hit a nearby ship, the USS Tennessee.
Despite his serious injury, Captain Bennion refused to leave his post. Mess Attendant Second Class Doris Miller and other sailors tried to move him to safety. But he told them to leave him and save themselves. He held his wounds closed with one arm and continued to command his crew. He sadly died from blood loss while still giving orders.
Awards and Recognition
For his incredible bravery and sacrifice, Captain Bennion was given the Medal of Honor after his death. This is the highest military award in the United States. He also received the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat.
Other awards he received include:
- Mexican Service Medal
- Nicaraguan Campaign Medal
- World War I Victory Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
Captain Bennion is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. On July 4, 1943, a destroyer ship was named in his honor, the USS Bennion (DD-662). His widow christened the ship.
Images for kids
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Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion
See also
