Steven L. Bennett

Captain Steven Logan Bennett was a highly decorated United States Air Force pilot who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. Serving as a forward air controller, Captain Bennett demonstrated extraordinary valor and selflessness when his aircraft was heavily damaged by surface-to-air fire during a combat mission.

Rather than ejecting over hostile territory—which would have surely meant death or capture for his backseater—Captain Bennett chose to ditch his damaged OV-10 Bronco aircraft in the Gulf of Tonkin. Knowing that his own escape would be severely compromised by the water landing, he prioritized his crew member's life over his own, resulting in his tragic drowning while the backseater survived.

His legacy of ultimate sacrifice is honored through numerous military decorations, including the Medal of Honor and the Cheney Award. His memory remains an enduring symbol of courage and devotion to duty within the United States Air Force.