Mervyn Sharp Bennion (May 5 1887 - December 7 1941) was a captain in the United States Navy who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. While mortally wounded, he remained in command of his ship for conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Biography
Mervyn was born in Vernon, Utah Territory on May 5 1887. His Welsh grandfather, John Bennion, had immigrated to Utah with the Mormon pioneers and established successful cattle operations near Taylorsville, Utah. Mervyn graduated first in his 1910 class from the United States Naval Academy.
His first assignment after graduation was on the USS California in the engineering division.
Bennion became an ordnance and gunnery specialist. During World War I, he commanded the batteries aboard the USS North Dakota.
Bennion's first command was the destroyer USS Bernadou, followed by command of Destroyer Division One. He assumed command of the USS West Virginia on July 2 1941.
Captain Bennion was killed in action during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, while in command of the battleship West Virginia (BB-48). Captain Bennion was hit by shrapnel from a bomb that blew up part of his command deck. Using one arm to hold his wounds closed, he bled to death while still commanding his crew.1 Captain Bennion was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor citation
:For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. West Virginia, after being mortally wounded, Capt. Bennion evidenced apparent concern only in fighting and saving his ship, and strongly protested against being carried from the bridge.
Honors
On July 4 1943, the destroyer USS Bennion (DD-662), named in his honor, was christened by his widow.
