ENGEL-BENJAMIN
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ENGEL
VADM
VADM Benjamin Franklin Engel was born May 1, 1914 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from high school in 1932, entered the Coast Guard Academy in 1934, and upon graduation in 1938 was commissioned an Ensign. He completed flight training on April 23, 1943 and was later designated as Helicopter Pilot #68. He completed a variety of assignment until his retirement on July 1, 1970 and was twice awarded the Legion of Merit. He had three daughters and while stationed in Honolulu during the 1960s his daughter, Robin Ruth Engel, was "Miss Hawaii of 1967." Another daughter, Georgia Bright Engel, later became a prominent American actress performing on television and in movies. VADM Engel died in Hawaii on August 15, 1983 and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
Arthur Bright Engel, the twin brother of VADM Benjamin Franklin Engel, was also a VADM in the Coast Guard where he served from 1938 to 1970.
Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)