Thomas Moss Bennett – Rear Admiral, United States Navy

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Information courtesy of their son, Tom Bennett: September 2006

Thomas Moss Bennett was born 9 December 1915 at Eastport, Maryland.  He was a 1939 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.  During World War II he was a Naval Aviator and served as a dive bomber pilot off aircraft carriers in the Pacific Theater of Operations.  During World War II he was a recipient of the Navy Cross.

When he retired as a Captain in 1959 he was advanced to Rear Admiral on the retired list due to receiving the Navy Cross.

Following retirement he was employed at the Aerojet General Corporation and remained there until his death.

The Admiral and his wife, Lydia Purdie Bennett were laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 3, Grave 4637-E.

BENNETT, THOMAS MOSS
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
Date of Action: October 25, 1944
7th Fleet, Letter P15(F-6-2/hek), Serial 14210 – 16 December 1944

Citation:

The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas M. Bennett, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy.

On 25 October 1944, Lieutenant Commander Bennett led a flight of planes in an attack against a large Japanese force consisting of battleships, cruiser, and escorting destroyers. Despite adverse weather conditions and a dangerously low fuel supply he searched determinedly for this force and upon location, initiated an immediate attack. He pressed home a vigorous attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers. The well coordinated and effective attack inflicted heavy damage on the Japanese vessels and contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy task force.

His cool courage, expert professional skill and extraordinary heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

BENNETT, THOMAS MOSS
RADM, USN

  • DATE OF BIRTH: 12/09/1915
  • DATE OF DEATH: 11/14/967
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 3  SITE 4637-E

 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

BENNETT, LYDIA PURDIE

  • DATE OF BIRTH: 03/28/1918
  • DATE OF DEATH: 03/13/1977
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 3  SITE 4637-E

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
WIFE OF TM BENNETT, RADM, USN

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