THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

As the remembrance of your 77th birthday approaches, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Doc

Francis Arthur Benoit
DATE OF BIRTH: 24-Apr-44
HOME OF RECORD:
Red Lake Falls, Minnesota

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Navy
Rank: Hospitalman Third Class
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Third Class Francis Arthur Benoit (NSN: 9140346), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 16 March 1967 while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam. While returning to the Company Command Post from a night platoon patrol base, Petty Officer Benoit's platoon was suddenly attacked by an enemy force employing small arms, automatic weapons, and hand grenades. Observing several wounded men, Petty Officer Benoit rushed forward into the intense enemy fire to administer medical aid, but was wounded, himself, by a hand grenade before reaching the casualties. Stunned and temporarily unable to move, he waited for the wounded to be brought to him, and then quickly and competently rendered medical assistance while exposed to enemy fire. After the attack had subsided and the wounded had been put aboard an evacuation helicopter, he refused to be evacuated and thus leave the platoon without a Corpsman. When the second helicopter came in, the landing zone was hit by enemy mortar fire, inflicting additional casualties. Petty Officer Benoit again stayed behind to treat the wounded. He was helping the last wounded man into the third helicopter, before boarding himself, when he was fatally wounded by an enemy mortar round. By his technical skill, courage and inspiring devotion to duty, Petty Officer Benoit undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his fallen comrades. His heroic actions were in the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Francis.

I read about the sacrifice this brave hero made to aid those who were wounded, even after he was also wounded. He stayed to help the last one on the third evacuation helicopter before boarding himself and was fatally wounded. One of the bright lights in heaven must be his star.

I never knew him but I wish I could have.