b. 1845 Denmark. d. 04/08/1890 Hull, Massachusetts.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 20/06/1872 USS Ossipee.
A native of Denmark, Benson joined the U.S. Navy from Yokohama, Japan. By June 20, 1872, he was serving as a seaman on the USS Ossipee. On that day, he jumped overboard and attempted to rescue Landsman John K. Smith from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor four months later, on October 10. Benson left the Navy while still a seaman. He died on August 4, 1890, at age 44 or 45 and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts.
MOH CITATION:
On board the U.S.S. Ossipee, 20 June 1872. Risking his life, Benson leaped into the sea while the ship was going at a speed of 4 knots and endeavored to save John K. Smith, landsman, of the same vessel, from drowning.
BURIAL LOCATION: WOODLAWN CEMETERY, EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS.
ASTRAL PLACE, GRAVE 28
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
