THE WALL OF FACES

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Benjamin Albert Kenison (MCSN: 2098437), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with operations against enemy forces while serving as a squad leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 September 1966. During Operation PRAIRIE, the Second Platoon was caught in an ambush. In the initial burst of fire a member of Lance Corporal Kenison's squad was seriously wounded. Realizing that the wounded Marine could not be left unattended, Lance Corporal Kenison quickly maneuvered his squad into a position from which they could best provide covering fire. Then, with full knowledge of the hazards involved and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he bravely advanced alone by crawling up a steep slope and going forward in the face of withering enemy fire in order to bring his wounded comrade back to safety. Upon reaching the Marine who was receiving fire in an exposed area, Lance Corporal Kenison gallantly attempted to carry him back to safety. At this time both men were hit by an enemy hand grenade and mortally wounded. Lance Corporal Kenison's fearless courage, inspiring leadership and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 16-Sep-66

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company D

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Dear CPL Benjamin Albert Kenison, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

My father was was your friend and served with you.His name was Lynn Broome and also from New Hampshire and your age.His brother Cecil Broome was also in Vietnam but didn't make it home.My senior class visited the Moving Wall in 1988 and My father wanted me to find your name,I did and brought him a charcoal rub of your name.Just a couple of months ago the Moving Wall came to our hometown and on the way to visit and pay my respects to my Uncle Cecil ,You and to all who gave their all I told my twelve year old daughters about their grandfather's friend....Benjamin A. Kenison.Daddy passed away in 1991 but he never forgot about you and neither will we.You will always be Remembered.Rest in Peace.

Behjamin is buried at Starr King Cemetery, Jefferson,NH. NC PH

I never had a chance to know Benjamin. He was killed nine years before my birth. He was very important to my family, however.
He was a close friend and role model for my father, and a well liked member of the community.

He is important to me personally, as I bear his name. It just struck me that At 25, I have already outlived my namesake.
There's no sense in trying to comprehend how it came to be that he should sacrifice so much at such a young age.
What is important is that he did. I can only hope that my life is as fitting a tribute to him as he deserves.