David Benedict Papers
Historic Owner
David E. Benedict
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateApril 25, 1961 – August 13, 2014
PeriodCold War; Museum Era
Mediumpaper, ink
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of the family of David E. Benedict. A2018.17
Object numberA2018.17
DescriptionExtent: 6 foldersOn board USS Intrepid, David Benedict worked first as a boiler tender in the number two boiler room, and then as a yeoman in the Engineering Department office. On April 25, 1961, steam lines in a fire room ruptured, and steam spilled into the 2nd and 3rd decks. As Benedict and his crew evacuated the area, he heard a cry for help. Benedict crawled on his hands and knees to rescue a crew member trapped in a nearby office.
These papers document Benedict’s efforts to receive the Navy and Marine Corps Medal due to his actions during that event on board Intrepid. The bulk of the correspondence, between Benedict and various Navy personnel, dates from 2006 to 2014, the year Benedict died. Documents include copies of pages from the Navy investigation into the steam leak incident, including statements from crew members. Benedict did not receive the medal from the Navy.
The collection also includes a program associated with the Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial Monument, located on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation.
Original order has been preserved.
Navy and Marine Corps Medal Research Papers (Letters, Emails, Chronology), 2007-2014
- Detailed chronology of Benedict's quest to receive the Navy Medal from December 17, 2006 – August 13, 2014 and all corresponding materials mentioned in timeline.
- Papers include message board posts, emails, letters, and copies of Deck Logs.
Benedict Letters-Locating, 2012-2014
- Correspondence, incident reports, and forms to various Navy and government personnel in regards to his attempts to receive the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.
Correspondence
- Letter; to the Honorable Samuel K. Jones from David E. Benedict, August 20, 2012
- Letter; to Captain Hal Pierce, USN (Retired) from David E. Benedict, September 22, 2012
Program; Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial Monument, May 27, 2012 (cover)
Biography; David "Ed" Benedict (likely from the Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial Monument program)
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