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Edward C Benfold
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| Background Voices |
I first became aware of the connection between Audubon and the ship when I was named to command in November 1993. At that time, I was the first, and only, officer named to the crew. My first action was to research the history of the ship, her namesake, and any other information I could locate. My goal was to identify the unique aspects of the ship's history upon which to build her character and reputation. The crew must have a link with the past to forge the future . . . and hopefully I could capture that past in the ship's crest and motto for a start.
Between that time and the spring, I became aware of Mrs. Waida (Benfold's widow) and her son, Edward through the office of the Secretary of the Navy. I also became acquainted with the amazing efforts of the Borough to construct the memorial to the Medal of Honor recipients. My first visit to the town was on 04 July 1994, when I was privileged to speak at the dedication of the memorial. We also watched the parade, attended the picnic at Mayor Murray's home, and met Mrs. Waida and Edward for the first time. On behalf of Lockheed Martin - - - we were able to present a painting of the ship to the school at that time.
What struck me then, and remains with me today - - - are the vivid images of patriotism and the intense pride of the town in the 4th of July. The bunting on the houses, the flags on all the lawns, the little league and the children riding their bikes in the parade - - - along with obvious pride in the creation of the monument - - - struck me as I have seldom been before. It was the manifestation of a type of patriotism, loyalty to community, and pride in our past that I have rarely seen, let alone experience - - - one that I wanted the ship to experience as well. I thought it essential the crew learn about the town that could create such a feeling.
The other significant memories are of Mrs Waida and her son, Edward, and their families. Their strength, quiet dignity, and perserverance through years after the death of the ship's namesake comes from a special type of courage, rarely found in this country. They are a family that, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, laid the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom. Holding Edward Benfold's Medal of Honor was another great privilege of my life. What I remember most is their explanation of how Edward's father lost his life in the sinking of the merchant ship SS CASTILLA during the Second World War, when Edward was just a boy. Then in the Korean War, Edward also made the ultimate sacrifice and was awarded the Medal of Honor. The ship's motto, "Onward With Valor", is dedicated to this amazing family. It attempts to capture how their sacrifice for our freedom is carried on by the next generation - - - and forges the link from the past to the future of my ship and crew.
Commander Mark E. Ferguson III
The tour of the memorial to Audubon's fallen heroes from the three wars was the most moving event that I personally participated in. I can't conceive of many other towns of Audubon's population giving three of her sons to the defense of our great nation in the same way. It symolized what we all cherish in the military . . . a people that are patriotic not only in word but in deed, even unto death. The tribute of the people of Audubon was a fitting memorial and one that I will never forget.
The relationship between the people of Audubon and USS BENFOLD is unique. In the five ships to which I have been assigned, I have never seen anything like it. I had the privilege to correspond with many of Audubon's elementary school youth during my tour on BENFOLD. we also received cookies, and other treats from the women of Audubon for Christmas. Lastly, the trip to Audubon (especially the fire engine ride) was a pure delight. These were my personal examples of acts of friendship that the people of Audubon showed us. These acts and the kindness of the people made us feel like we had the backing of the people in America that really mattered. What the people of Audubon did came not with political purse strings or baggage, not with the hope of some plush government contract, or some other monetary benefit. It came out of a pure and patriotic heart. It came from ordinary people just like us who cared about the sailors and defenders of their freedom. It came from AMERICANS.
To the people of Audubon, New Jersey; I may never sail on a ship as fine as BENFOLD again. And, I may never get the opportunity to visit your beautiful and wholesome town again. Thus, I want to let you know that I deeply appreciate all the kindness that you consistently showed me and the officers & crew opf BENFOLD. Your outstanding hospitality, graciousness and spirit of patriotism were fantastic. Your love for us sustained us over the long hours of watch far from family and friends. As future crews inhabit BENFOLD, the memory of the relationship between a town and her ship may have its ups and downs. But for me, a simple sailor, a veteran . . . the memory of our visit with you, and our kinship, will always bring a smile to my face and warm my heart. GO GREEN WAVE!!
LCDR Sinclair Harris
When I took command of the ship in June of 1997, I received a special briefing from my predecessor on the special and enduring friendship USS BENFOLD has with the community of Audubon. The life of Edward Benfold resonates with the crew and, posthumously, he provides inspiration for us all. It is through our relationship with the citizens of Audubon that we honor him.
As our daily lives become more hectic and stressful, we often times forget about our roots and the basic values that gave us a firm anchoring in life. By pausing and reflecting on the heroism of Edward Benfold, we are refreshed or renewed and we re-commit ourselves to a greater purpose. By continuing a relationship with the Benfold family and citizens of Audubon, we are reminded how important our core values are.
The Sailor of the Year is awarded to that First Class Petty Officer who best reflects the life of Edward Benfold: Honor, Courage, Commitment. The Chief Petty Officer makes a recommendation. The Sailor of the Year Program is a fantastic progrm and the person selected feels honored by being able to participate in the Fourth of July festivities.
Commander D. Michael Abrashoff
As Command Master Chief, I represent the command and the ship's crew. I coordinate the sailor of the year annual visit to Audubon. I have also represented the ship at various civic functions and dedications the past four years, during my tour onboard.
Audubon has become the hometown of BENFOLD. Truly our home away from home. I, and members of the commissioning crew have been welcomed home to Audubon, and we have enjoyed a tremendous sense of belonging there.
Command Master Chief Robert Scheeler
As Superintendent of the Audubon Schools, I was presented with the idea of a Memorial honoring our three Medal of Honor recipients. I was pleased to support Mr. Westphal and Ms. Beth Canzanese's International Relations class in their community service. The concept of community service is an important aspect of quality education. So much of our learning takes place outside the classroom and so much is gained in non-traditional learning. Students gain through service because they learn much about themselves and learn to value the differences in others.
Audubon is a unique community. The pride exhibited by our students is admirable. The Project Memorial Program has enhanced the value of patriotism and has helped our students realize that some traditional values are important to promote and celebrate.
Mr. John Polomano
Ed and I were married in June, 1951, and went to live in California as Ed was stationed at Camp Pendleton. Ed was a wonderful person and fun to be with, he loved to dance, and take walks on the beach and talk about our life together after the war, and about our son who was born in May of 1952. He was so happy.
I was the ship's sponsor, I broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship. At the Commissioning, I gave the order for all the officers and crew to man the ship and bring her to life. I cried with joy that he was to be so honored.
Mrs. Dorothy (Benfold) Waida
I have always had this feeling of pride for what my father had done to help others. I have used this as a guide in my life and a standard to look up to in concern for others beyond ourselves. It reminds me of the many who have sacrificed greatly so we we all could live free. It is important to me to do what I can in his memory and that of others who have also sacrificed to inspire the young future of this country.
Edward J. Benfold
Even after I became Mayor, the subject of how to appropriately honor these three heroes in some sort of permanent way was an occasional point of discussion with members of the Legion. Sometime in late 1993, I was approached by Mr. William Westphal, the principal at Audubon High School. Mr. Westphal informed me that a group of students had learned about Audubon's Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, and wanted to create a permanent memorial to them. In our discussions, Mr. Westphal expressed his desire that this project become a community event, as well as a learning process for the students involved. He believed that this project would give the students excellent experience in learning to deal with the public, and the various levels of government that would be involved in such a project.
I would say that Fourth of July was one of my proudest days as Mayor of Audubon. This event underscored the superb reputation Audubon has always enjoyed, and certainly brought out the finest in our community. I will always remember Commander Ferguson telling me how he knew the minute he entered Audubon that he was coming to a special place. The thing that formulated this initial impression, was all the American flags that were placed on the poles on Merchant Street.
From my perspective, this friendship serves our common good in a variety of ways. The USS BENFOLD is a wonderful tribute to the memory of one of our own, and remains a constant reminder of of the sacrifices made by Edward Benfold, as well as endured by his family. The fact that Audubon can claim three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients is a source of great pride that includes the past, and the present, as well as future generations. This friendship grew out of a high school project, and has evolved to unite our community in pride. This relationship also gives us an opportunity to show the rest of the world that Audubon possesses the spirit, ideals, and values that best reflect our Nation's heritage.
Alfred W. Murray, former Mayor of Audubon |
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