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Audubon
Edward C Benfold
USS BENFOLD
The Future
The Magic Of Winnie The Pooh
Affirmations
Accolades
From the mouth of Babes
About The Authors
Ceremonial First Copy
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US Korea 2000 Foundation
Book Review
News Release
Coincidence
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| The Green Wave and the Navy |
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| Perfect Together |
The Green Wave and the Navy is three histories in one: the history of a small Borough in New Jersey, filled with patriotism and pride, the history of a young man who grew up in this town, went to war and became a hero, gave his life for his country and was awarded the Nation's highest honor, The Congressional Medal of Honor, and finally the history of a nuclear powered destroyer named in his honor. The book continues, detailing a friendship between this small town and the ship. It tells of a group of high school students who did their part to insure the young hero's name would not be forgotten.
Four Seniors approached the Principal of the High School requesting permission to construct a Memorial to three young men from this small community of 9,000 people, who were recipients of the Medal of Honor. No other town of this size can boast three Medal of Honor recipients.The students had already drawn up the plans and presented them on their initial visit.
The names of these brave young men are: Edward C. Benfold and Nelson V. Brittin from the Korean Conflict; and Samuel Sampler from World War I. A ship, the USS BENFOLD was named in Benfold's memory; and another ship, the USNS BRITTIN is under construction in Brittin's honor. Brittin was in the Army, this ship will be an Army Transport.
In 9 months these unique High School students raised $17,000.00, ordered granite from Africa, and began work. The Memorial Site, on the lawn of Audubon High School was dedicated July 4, 1994. Each year, four seniors are selected to perpetuate, and oversee the maintenance and beautification of the site.
They set up a foundation, The Project Memorial Foundation, which presents a full scholorship each year to students who plan to make the military their career.
The Korean Club at the High School built a walkway to the site. Two seventh graders had benches installed for the comfort of those who might wish to meditate as they view the site.
Benfold was a Navy Hospitalman assigned to the Marines in Korea. He was tending the wounds of two marines in a foxhole, when they were rushed by the enemy, who threw two grenades into the foxhole. With no regard for his own life, one goal in mind, to protect the wounded, he grabbed the two grenades and ran headlong into the oncoming enemy soldiers. When the grenades went off he was killed along with the enemy, saving the lives of the two marines, and contributing to the safety of the entire company. One of those two marines attended the dedication of the Memorial Site.
Benfold was 21, he left a young widow and four month old son.
Still more students became involved with honoring the dead: they constructed a Memorial Grove to honor all those who lost their lives prematurely. Within walking distance of the Memorial Site is a beautiful grove with markers commemorating all those from the community who had lost their lives before the age of 21.
Fourth and fifth graders from two elementary schools in the community have established a pen pal program with the sailors on board the BENFOLD. The Women's Club sends packages at Christmas time. The Sailor of the Year from the ship visits the community every 4th of July to participate in patriotic activities and visit the site. Every officer who has had Command of the BENFOLD has visited the site. The USS BENFOLD has adopted the Borough of Audubon as their second home town: the people of Audubon have adopted the crew of the BENFOLD as their sons and daughters.
This is not a dry history filled with boring facts and figures. No, this is a story of love . . . and commitment . . . and honor . . . and sacrifice . . . this is a true story of a brave young man, his young widow and tiny son. It is a story filled with real people, with real feelings. This is the story of a unique hero from a unique community, being remembered by a unique group of young people. |
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