The ship was named for Captain Mervyn S. Bennion who was killed in action during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, while in command of West Virginia.

On 5 January 1945, Bennion encountered two Japanese Matsu class destroyers, Hinoki and Momi, both returning to China after the aircraft carrier Unryu was torpedoed and sunk by USS Redfish (SS-395).

[citation needed] Bennion departed Philadelphia, Pa. 3 March 1944 escorting the light aircraft carrier Bataan to the Pacific.

Moving westward she served as a fighter director and radar picket ship during the following campaigns:[1] During the Battle of Surigao Strait, in October 1944, Bennion assisted in, and was responsible for the torpedo that sunk the Japanese battleship Yamashiro.

[2] Future Chief of Naval Operations Lieutenant (junior grade) James L. Holloway III, served on the Bennion as officer in charge of the destroyer's main fire director.