Benjamin F. Engel (May 1, 1914 – August 15, 1983) was a vice admiral in the United States Coast Guard.

Biography

Engel was born on May 1, 1914, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1932. Engel's twin brother, Arthur, would become a

rear admiral Rear admiral is a senior naval flag officer rank, equivalent to a major general and air vice marshal and above that of a commodore and captain, but below that of a vice admiral. It is regarded as a two star "admiral" rank. It is often regarde ...

in the Coast Guard.

Career

Engel graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1938. Afterwards, he was assigned to the USCGC Sebago. During World War II, he served aboard the USCGC Mendota (WHEC-69) and the

USCGC Bibb (WPG-31) The USCGC ''Bibb'' (WPG-31) was a Secretary-Class (also known as "Treasury Class") Coast Guard ship commissioned in 1936. Seven similar "combat cutters" were built and named for secretaries of the United States Treasury. ''Bibb'' was named for U ...

. He then underwent aviation training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Afterwards, he was stationed at

Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles US Coast Guard Air Station Sector Field Office Port Angeles is located at the end of the Ediz Hook peninsula in Port Angeles, Washington. History The Coast Guard's presence in Port Angeles began on August 1, 1862 with the arrival of the S ...

before furthering his training at Coast Guard Air Station Brooklyn. Engel was later assigned to

Coast Guard Air Station San Diego U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego (CGAS San Diego) is a Coast Guard Air Station based in San Diego, California, United States, across the street from San Diego International Airport. CGAS San Diego operates three MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters o ...

before undergoing more training at Coast Guard Air Station St. Petersburg. From 1951 to 1953, Engel was Executive Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Miami. In 1957, he entered the Naval War College as a student, where he would also later become an instructor. Afterwards, he assumed command of Coast Guard Air Station Brooklyn. Engel retired in 1974. Awards he received during his career include the

Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight ...

, the American Defense Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Engel, Benjamin People from Grand Rapids, Michigan United States Coast Guard admirals Recipients of the Legion of Merit United States Coast Guard personnel of World War II Naval War College faculty United States Coast Guard Academy alumni Naval War College alumni Military personnel from Michigan American twins 1914 births 1983 deaths