Military Sealift names vessel in honor of fallen airman

U.S. Air Force Photo

Angela Bennett was an infant when her father, Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Steven L. Bennett, returned from survival school. She was only 2 when he died June 29, 1972, while flying as a forward air controller in Quang Tri, Vietnam. In a ceremony Nov. 20 in Sunnypoint, N.C., Military Sealift's newest vessel was officially named MV Capt. Steven L. Bennett (T-AK 4296). Bennett's aircraft was hit by a surface-to-air missile while strafing a hostile target when no tactical air or artillery support were available. The hostile target was threatening a friendly unit in the area, Bennett made four successful passes driving the enemy back, the fifth pass proved to be fatal. His observer's chute was shredded by the missile's impact and Bennett knew he would have no chance of surviving after ejection. Bennett's chute was good; however, he chose to ditch his aircraft in an attempt to save the observer. He didn't survive, but his observer made it out of the aircraft and was rescued. Bennett was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. It was awarded to his wife by President Ford Aug. 8, 1974. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Angela Stafford)