[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13232]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   MEMORIAL TRIBUTE FOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR 
                         DARRIK CARLYLE BENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer 
Special Warfare Operator Darrik Carlyle Benson who died August 6th in 
Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Benson was a patriot and a hero who 
made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He 
will be greatly missed.
  Chief Benson was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous 
awards, including two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart 
Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps 
Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation 
Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action 
Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and 
unit decorations.
  Chief Benson is survived by his loving family, friends, and 
teammates.
  His nation owes Chief Benson an enormous debt of gratitude. We are 
honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his 
country.
  I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Benson's family, friends, 
and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting 
impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

                          ____________________