This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Benitez, Rafael Celestino, RADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Last Address 520 S Aurora St Easton MD 21601-3419
Date of Passing Mar 06, 1999
Location of Interment Oxford Cemetery - Oxford, Maryland
Rear Admiral Rafael Celestino Benitez (March 9, 1917-March 6, 1999) born in Juncos, Puerto Rico was a highly decorated submarine commander who led the rescue effort of the crew members of the USS Cochino during the Cold War. After retiring from the Navy, he was Pan American World Airways' vice president for Latin America. He was associate dean at the University of Miami Law School and Dean of the university's Graduate School of International Studies.
Other Comments:
Was the Commanding Officer of the USS Cochino (SS-345) during what is considered the first special operation of the "COLD WAR" While operating in stormy seas off northern Norway she suffered a series of serious battery explosions that resulted in her loss on 26 August 1949.
Image
Bronze Star (1941-2016) - 1945
Name of Award Bronze Star (1941-2016)
Devices
Bronze Letter V
Awarded for distinguished actions in combat (valor)
Year Awarded 1945
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2022
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
Bronze Star AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING World War II Service: Navy GENERAL ORDERS: CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Lieutenant Commander Rafael Celestino Benitez (NSN: 0-82557/1100), United States Navy, for heroic service as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. DACE (SS-247), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in action against enemy Japanese forces in the South China Sea Area from 2 December 1944 to 28 January 1945. Skilled and efficient in the performance of his duties, Lieutenant Commander Benitez assisted his Commanding Officer in accomplishing a special mine-laying mission in very shallow waters close to hostile shorelines and in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of one enemy freighter and the damaging of another. Through his coolness and initiative, he contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading hostile countermeasures, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Benitez is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)
