A native of Denmark, Benson joined the U.S. Navy from Yokohama, Japan.
On that day, he jumped overboard and attempted to rescue Landsman John K. Smith from drowning.
[2] Benson's official Medal of Honor citation reads: On board the U.S.S.
Risking his life, Benson leaped into the sea while the ship was going at a speed of 4 knots and endeavored to save John K. Smith, landsman, of the same vessel, from drowning.
He died on August 4, 1890, at age 44 or 45 and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts.