Namesake:
Hospitalman Third Class Edward C. Benfold
USS BENFOLD
(DDG 65) was named after Hospitalman Third Class Edward C. Benfold,
USN. Born in Staten Island, New York on January 15, 1931, Petty Officer
Benfold graduated from Audubon High School in Audubon, New Jersey.
Petty Officer Benfold entered the service at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
in 1950. After completion of recruit training in Great Lakes, Illinois,
he was selected for "A" school training as a Hospitalman. In July 1951
he was designated as a Medical Field Technician and was ordered to duty
with the Fleet Marine Force, Ground, Pacific.
He was killed in action while serving with the First Marine Division in
Korea. "For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while serving as a Hospital Corpsman, attached
to a Company in the First Marine Division during operations against
enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 September 1952..." he was
posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation continues:
"When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages,
followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an
enemy force estimated at battalion strength, BENFOLD resolutely moved
from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating
the wounded and lending words of encouragement. Leaving the protection
of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in
which he was working was attacked from both the front and the rear, he
moved forward to an exposed ridge line where he observed two Marines in
a large crater. As he approached the two men to determine their
condition, an enemy soldier threw two grenades into the crater while
two other enemies charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each
hand, BENFOLD leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the
onrushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests
and killing both the attackers.
Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, BENFOLD, by his
great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face
of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives
of his two comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest
credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United
States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others."
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Ship's Crest:
 Supporters: The halberds symbolize
vigilance, resolve, and battle preparedness while suggesting USS
BENFOLDs Vertical Launch System capabilities.
The Shield: The Aegis shield denotes the
capability of DDG 65 to conduct operations in multi-threat
environments. Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally
associated with the Navy. The lion embodies the courage and strength
displayed by Hospitalman Benfold in combat. The escutcheon bears a red
cross, alluding to Benfold's medical service and personal sacrifice in
saving the lives of others. A background of red above blue in the
manner of a Taeguk underscores his service in Korea. The black pellets
symbolize the heavy artillery and mortar barrages during his heroic
action.
The Crest: The reversed star, in medium
blue and white, denotes the Medal of Honor, posthumously awarded to
Hospitalman Benfold for his spirit of self-sacrifice and extraordinary
heroism. The crossed Navy sword and Marine Mameluke signify cooperation
and strength; the Mameluke signifies Benfolds service with the First
Marine Division in Korea.
Motto: A scroll Sable edged and inscribed "ONWARD WITH
VALOR" in gold.
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