This is the tombstone for Raymond Benjamin in the Arlington Cemetery in Virginia.

Date of Death: June 8th, 1944

Rank at Death: Machinist Mate 3 Class

Cause of Death: Sinking of the USS Rich, body never recovered

Place of Death: In the water off of Utah Beach, Normandy, France

Burial: Tablets of the Missing, Normandy and Arlington Military Cemetery, Virginia

Awards: Purple Heart

Raymond Benjamin earned the Purple Heart for his service. The Purple Heart is given to soldiers who were wounded or killed during battle as the result of enemy actions. It is mean to honor the greatest sacrifice that a soldier can give, his life.

Eulogy

The area of the Tablets of the Missing where Raymond Benjamins name can be seen. 

Raymond Benjamin had a tragically short life when he died at the age of 20 on June 8th, 1944. He left behind his mother, father, and younger sister and brother. They were never able to fully grieve because his body was never recovered after the ship he served on, the USS Rich, sank off the coast of France. He dedicated much of his life to the war effort, manufacturing arms at the Frankford Arsenal and then enlisting in 1943. He died as a Machinist Mate Class 3, and the work of him and the other men abroad the USS Rich were critical to the success of D-Day and the safety of his follow soldiers. He gave his life for freedom much too young, but his sacrifice for the freedom of the entire world will not be forgotten. Raymond Benjamin, thank you for your service and sacrifice.