As I Saw It: From Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal, A 1993 Interview with Capt. John E. Bennett, USN (Ret.), member of the U. S. Naval Academy Class of 1941.
John Edward Bennett was born to Melvin and Ruby Bennett on April 9, 1918, in Montpelier, Ohio. In April of 1935, he became a member of the US Naval Reserve at the age of 17 and remained there until June of 1937. He then entered the US Naval Academy, where he graduated as Ensign on February 7, 1941. From March of 1941 to August of 1943, he served on the USS San Francisco (CA-38), where he participated in various events during World War II, including the defense of Pearl Harbor. He then entered Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. In January of 1944, he was ordered to the USS Queenfish, a US Navy submarine, and served five full war patrols there. He then served on the USS Bushnell (AS-15), a submarine tender, from February of 1946 to June of 1946 before being assigned to the Bureau of Ordnance until July of 1948. From July 1948 to September 1949, he served on the USS Tilefish (SS-307), and then served as the Commanding Officer of the USS Caiman (SS-323). He was promoted to Commander in July of 1951 and attended the Armed Forces Staff College. From February 1952 to June 1955, he served as the Aide and Flag Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, US Atlantic Fleet. From June 1955 to June 1956, he was the Operations Officer for Commander, Submarine Squadron ONE, and then served as the Commander of Submarine Division TWELVE until June of 1957. He then reported to the Naval Academy to serve as the Executive Officer of the Physical Education Department. He was promoted to Captain in July of 1959 and remained at the Naval Academy until August of 1960. He attended National War College until June of 1961 and then assumed duty as the Chief Staff Officer for Submarine Flotilla ONE in San Diego, California. Bennett died on October 9, 2008, at the age of 90.
Written April 2024
This collection consists of a single VHS video cassette tape (1993) which contains an interview with US Navy Captain John E. Bennett entitled "As I Saw It: From Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal: A 1993 Interview with Capt. John E. Bennett, USN (Ret)".
Gift of Capt. Victor Delano
Encoded by Apex Data Services
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