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Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson
Died August 6, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom
28, of Angwin, Calif.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team; died Aug. 6 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in which he was riding was shot down.
Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson, 28, of Angwin, Calif., enlisted in the Navy in September 2001, according to the service.
He attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, Calif., and later checked into Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training Command at Coronado.
He joined a West Coast based SEAL Team in June 2003, and then moved to an East Coast-based SEAL team in September 2009.
His decorations include Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ device for valor; two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one with ‘V’ device for valor; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Rifleman Marksmanship Medal and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.