Francis Arthur Benoit
Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Third Class, U.S. Navy

On 16 March 1967, then-Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Third Class Francis Arthur Benoit was serving as a Corpsman with Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam

On that date, while returning to the Company E Command Post from a night platoon patrol base, PO3 Benoit's platoon was suddenly attacked by a large NVA force employing small arms, automatic weapons, and hand grenades. Observing several wounded men, PO3 Benoit rushed forward into the intense enemy fire to administer medical aid, but was wounded by a hand grenade before reaching the casualties. Stunned and temporarily unable to move, PO3 Benoit 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, PO3 Benoit refused to be evacuated and leave the platoon without a Corpsman. When the 2nd helicopter came in, the landing zone was hit by enemy mortar fire, inflicting additional casualties. PO3 Benoit again stayed behind to treat the wounded. PO3 Benoit was helping the last wounded man into the 3rd helicopter when he was fatally wounded by an enemy mortar round. PO3 Benoit's courage and dedication to duty that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Navy's second highest award for valor, the Navy Cross.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Purple Heart
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Navy Cross 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.

Honors

The name Francis A Benoit is located on Panel 16E Line 88 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Third Class Francis Arthur Benoit is buried at Saint Josephs Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, Red Lake County, MN.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5636873/francis-arthur-benoit