Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Machinist Floyd Bennett received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 9, 1926 in Spitsbergen, Norway — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1920 - 1940 period. Bennett was 35 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on February 25, 1927 — the White House, presented by Pres. Calvin Coolidge. He later rose to the rank of Warrant Machinist.
Bennett was born on October 25, 1890 in Warrensburg, Warren County, New York. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York. Bennett died on April 25, 1928 in Quebec, Canada, at the age of 37. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His medal is held by National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For distinguishing himself conspicuously by courage and intrepidity at the risk of his life as a member of the Byrd Arctic Expedition and thus contributing largely to the success of the first heavier-than-air flight to the North Pole and return.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Floyd Bennett received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War I.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Occupations: mechanic, explorer
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New York →
Timeline
- October 25, 1890Born in Warrensburg, Warren County, New York
- May 9, 1926Act of valor — Spitsbergen, NorwayAge 35.
- February 25, 1927Medal of Honor presentedThe White House, presented by Pres. Calvin Coolidge
- April 25, 1928Died in Quebec, CanadaAge 37.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Floyd Bennett (October 25, 1890 – April 25, 1928) was a United States Naval Aviator who, along with then USN Commander Richard E. Byrd, made the first flight to the North Pole in May 1926. However, their claim to have reached the pole is disputed.
From the Wikipedia article “Floyd Bennett”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- Floyd Bennett Field — former aerodrome, joint-use aerodrome
- Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport — airport
