Born in Greenville Township, LaMoure County, North Dakota, Benson received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Dakota in 1942 and was a lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II, from 1942 to 1946.

He received a Bachelor of Laws from George Washington University Law School in 1949, entering private practice in Cavalier, North Dakota in 1949 and in Grand Forks, North Dakota from 1950 to 1971.

[1] On July 12, 1971, Benson was nominated by President Richard Nixon to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota vacated by Judge Ronald Davies.

Benson was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 29, 1971, and received his commission the same day.

He served as Chief Judge from 1971 to 1985, assuming senior status on December 31, 1985.