In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Intrepid Museum honors the contributions of Indigenous service members. This year, we are reflecting on the story of David Benedict, who served on Intrepid from 1958 to 1961. Benedict was proud member of the Akwesasne Mohawk nation, an Indigenous community that straddles the US–Canadian border.
Benedict's story is featured in the Museum's Intrepid Animated oral history series, a project that brings crew members’ experiences to life through animation. Since 2013, the Intrepid Museum has collected personal stories to illustrate the human side of its historic displays. For Intrepid's 75th commissioning anniversary, the Museum collaborated with animator Dustin Grella to launch Intrepid Animated, transforming select oral histories into animated short films. Among more than 185 interviews, David Benedict’s story stands out, recounting his brave rescue of a fellow crew member in 1961.
By sharing Benedict’s narrative, young individuals from diverse backgrounds can envision themselves in similar roles, emphasizing that bravery transcends boundaries and enriches our collective history. View his story and others in the Intrepid Animated series here:
David Benedict worked in in B Division. B Division ran the boilers in Intrepid's four fire rooms, where temperatures often reached between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. B Division's vital role was to create the steam that powered the ship's engines, catapults, and other important systems. In April 1961, the main feed pump to one boiler broke, filling the fire room and the engineering offices above with superheated steam. Hearing a cry for help, Benedict crawled through the intense heat to reach a fellow serviceman in need of aid, ultimately dragging him to safety. Benedict suffered steam inhalation and burns on his neck, ear and face. He received a letter of commendation from Captain Abbot, acknowledging his heroic actions.
Credit: Collection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of the family of David E. Benedict. P2017.75.01
David Benedict worked in in B Division. B Division ran the boilers in Intrepid's four fire rooms, where temperatures often reached between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. B Division's vital role was to create the steam that powered the ship's engines, catapults, and other important systems.
In April 1961, the main feed pump to one boiler broke, filling the fire room and the engineering offices above with superheated steam. Hearing a cry for help, Benedict crawled through the intense heat to reach a fellow serviceman in need of aid, ultimately dragging him to safety. Benedict suffered steam inhalation and burns on his neck, ear and face. He received a letter of commendation from Captain Abbot, acknowledging his heroic actions.
David Benedict's legacy of service goes beyond his Navy career. In 2013, Benedict advocated for the construction of a memorial to Akwesasne veterans of the American and Canadian armed forces. In 2017, the monument was unveiled in Akwesasne, New York.
David Benedict's story exemplifies resilience and the often-unseen sacrifices of military service, especially among minority communities. His legacy continues to inspire new generations and underscores the importance of representation in the armed forces.
To learn more about the lives and service of Intrepid’s crew, visit the Intrepid Museum. Tickets can be purchased here. Explore our collections at intrepid.emuseum and our digital guide.
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