BENSON, Henry Arthur Francis
| Service Number: | 25516 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Major |
| Last Unit: | 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight |
| Born: | Sydney New South Wales Australia , 7 November 1930 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Soldier |
| Memorials: |
Vietnam War Service
| 30 Jun 1966: | Promoted Australian Army (Post WW2), Major, 1st Aviation Regiment | |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Jun 1968: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Major, 25516 | |
| 11 Jun 1968: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Major, 25516, 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight | |
| 2 Jun 1969: | Honoured Distinguished Flying Cross | |
| Date unknown: | Involvement Major, 25516, 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Graham Padget
Major Henry Arthur Francis Benson DFC
161 (Indep) Recce Flt 10 Jun 68 - 18 Jun 69
Major Henry Benson graduated from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea on 13 December 1952 and was posted to the Royal Australian Artillery. After various regimental and training appointments, including overseas flying training, he was appointed as Officer Commanding 161st (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight and arrived in South Vietnam on 11 June 1968.
He undertook many missions himself and displayed a courageous determination to locate the enemy. On 15 May 1969 an enemy force was reported to be in the town of Dat Do but its precise location was not known. Major Benson flew over the town in an attempt to fix their position. He was unable to see them so he commenced making low passes over the area on an attempt to draw enemy fire. He was successful and the enemy positions were disclosed. Although his aircraft was hit by enemy fire he continued on and made a safe landing in a friendly compound.
DFC Citation Throughout his tour Major Benson continually strove to improve the efficiency of light aircraft support to 1st Australian Task Force. He developed a new technique for visual reconnaissance missions which greatly enhanced their value and, by personal example, set a high standard of flying. His airmanship, personal courage and devotion to duty were of the highest order.
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