Mervyn Bennion

Born: May 5, 1887, Vernon, Utah
Died: December 7, 1941 (age 54), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Mervyn Sharp Bennion 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.

1. Mervyn's Welsh grandfather, John Bennion, had immigrated to Utah with the Mormon pioneers and established successful cattle operations near Taylorsville, Utah.

• True or False?

2. In 1910, Bennion graduated from the United States Naval Academy. What was his class ranking?

• 1st
• 10th
• 50th

3. In the engineering division, what ship was his first assignment after graduation was on?

• USS California
• USS Arizona
• USS Nevada

4. Bennion became an ordnance and gunnery specialist. During World War I, he commanded the batteries aboard what ship?

• USS North Dakota
• USS Illinois
• USS Pennsylvania

5. Bennion's first command was the destroyer USS Bernadou, followed by command of Destroyer Division One.

• True or False?

6. When did he assume command of the USS West Virginia?

• July 2, 1941
• July 12, 1941
• July 22, 1941

7. 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.

• True or False?

8. Where is Mervyn Bennion buried?

• Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Mount Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Saint George City Cemetery, Saint George, Utah

Mervyn Bennion Answers

1. True
2. 1st
3. USS California
4. USS North Dakota
5. True
6. July 2, 1941
7. True
8. Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah
   Plot: West-3-148-1-Cent

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