Steven Logan Bennett (April 22, 1946 – June 29, 1972) was a United States Air Force pilot who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War on August 8, 1974.

[1][2] In his first tour of duty in Southeast Asia from September to December 1970, he flew combat missions in the B-52 from U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield.

[2] On June 29, 1972, Captain Bennett was flying an OV-10 Bronco on an artillery adjustment mission in Quảng Trị province, South Vietnam.

[3] After controlling gunfire from U.S. Navy ships off shore and directing air strikes against enemy positions for approximately three hours, Bennett received an urgent call for assistance.

Since they were North Vietnamese regulars, equipped with heat-seeking 9K32 Strela-2 missiles, the risks in making a low-level attack were great.

As Bennett pulled up from his fifth attack, an enemy soldier fired a missile at the aircraft and struck the OV-10's left engine.

The explosion set the engine on fire and knocked the left landing gear from its stowed position, leaving it hanging down.

As the fire in the engine continued to spread, he was urged by the pilot of an escorting OV-10 to eject, as the wing of Bennett's OV-10 was in danger of exploding.

The decoration was presented to his widow by Vice President of the United States Gerald Ford on August 8, 1974.

Bennett was the pilot of a light aircraft flying an artillery adjustment mission along a heavily defended segment of route structure.

The ensuing impact upon the water caused the aircraft to cartwheel and severely damaged the front cockpit, making escape for Capt.

Bennett's unparalleled concern for his companion, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.

They range from streets being named after him to buildings, including a gymnasium and a cafeteria, a sports arena and VFW posts, and many monuments.