advantage for the United States Navy that ensured victory during World War II and the duration of the Cold War, and it remains today as the centerpiece of the combat striking arms of the United States Navy. Retirement Benson retired from the naval service in September 1919. Over the next decade, he was active in the leadership of the United States Shipping Board. He served as the first president of the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, from 1925 to 1932. Admiral William S. Benson died in Washington, DC, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 3, Lot 1873-B. Benson's mother, Catherine Brewer Benson, was the first woman to receive a degree from Georgia Female College (now Wesleyan College). His son, Commodore Howard H. J. Benson, also a career navy officer, received the Navy Cross and Legion of Merit. Namesakes was named for the admiral and was the lead ship of her class, the ; was also named in his honor and was the lead ship of her class, the . The one-block-long street named Benson Street in Charleston, South Carolina was named in his honor. References Further reading External links 1855 births 1932 deaths People from Macon, Georgia United States Navy personnel of World War I United States Naval Academy alumni United States Navy admirals Naval War College alumni Chiefs of Naval Operations Burials at Arlington National Cemetery Recipients of the Legion of Merit Laetare Medal recipients