Edward Clyde Benfold
Rank: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy
Serial: 4168234
Unit: E Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
Entered service from: New Jersey
Born:
Died:
Awards: Medal of Honor, Purple Heart with Gold Star
Biography
Hospital Corpsman Third Class Edward Clyde Benfold was born on January 15, 1931, in Staten Island, New York. He was associated with Audubon, New Jersey prior to entering the U.S. Navy.
Hospital Corpsman Third Class Benfold was attached to the 1st Marine Division. On September 5, 1952, during an intense enemy attack supported by artillery and mortar fire, he was treating two wounded Marines in a large crater when two enemy soldiers threw two grenades into the crater. He picked up the grenades and thrust them against the bodies of the enemy soldiers as they exploded, mortally wounding himself.
For his leadership and great valor, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Benfold was awarded the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart with Gold Star. On November 11, 1995, the U.S. Navy christened a new Aegis destroyer, the USS Benfold, in his honor.