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Submitted: 10/6/22 • Approved: 5/6/23 • Last Updated: 5/9/23 • R392043-G0-S3
CAPTAIN US Air Force
Vietnam
April 22, 1946 - June 29, 1972
Killed in Action
Medal of Honor
Captain
20 Tactical Air Support Squadron
504 Tactical Air Support Group, 7 Air Force
United States Air Force
Lafayette, Louisiana
April 22, 1946 - June 29, 1972
STEVEN L BENNETT is on the Wall at Panel W1, Line 51
Captain Steven Bennett and an observer were flying a FAC (Forward Air Controller) mission in the DMZ area of South Vietnam. After attempting to prosecute a large enemy force and being advised that neither tactical air nor artillery could be brought to bear, Captain Bennett attempted to strafe the enemy. His aircraft was hit by a surface to air missile which damaged the starboard engine, landing gear, and cockpit area.
When his observer advised that his ejection seat had been damaged and that he could not eject, Captain Bennett decided to attempt to ditch the OV-10 offshore. Bennett did successfully ditch his OV-10 successful in the sense that the observer was able to escape the sinking aircraft. Captain Bennett, however, was trapped in the cockpit.
Captain Bennett's unparalleled concern for his observer's life and his extraordinary heroism warranted the Medal of Honor. He and Captain Hilliard A Wilbanks were the only two Forward Air Controllers to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam war.
Captain Bennett's body was recovered from the aircraft.
Contributed on 10/6/22
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Record #: 392043