[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18967]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE CREW OF THE USS "BENNION" 662

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the World 
War II veterans from the crew of the USS Bennion 662 on their reunion.
  The Bennion is one of many destroyers that participated in WWII. The 
majority of the men who served in the USS Bennion were just 17 years 
old when they signed up to serve their country.
  The crew of 300 faced immeasurable dangers from Japanese Kamikazes 
and destroyers. They were exposed to enemy torpedo attacks and air 
raids. Fortunately, the Bennion crew survived because of their skillful 
coordination and the indivisible combination of men and material, which 
bounded them together for a common purpose.
  The Bennion was given a citation that reads: "For extraordinary 
heroism in the action as a Fighter Direction Ship on Radar Picket duty, 
during Okinawa Campaign, April 1, 1945 to June 1, 1945. A natural and 
frequent target of the heavy Japanese aerial attack while occupying 
advanced and isolated stations, the USS 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 gunfire 
downed 13 hostile planes, and she rendered a 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-picked 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 Services."
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to welcome and salute the crew of Bennion 
662 in their reunion. It is my pleasure to join the members, family and 
friends of this crew in extending my deepest appreciation for their 
outstanding services and sacrifice for our country.

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