Memorandum

From: Captain William L. Bennett, Jr. USN (Ret.)

To: Master Chief and President of the National Association of Naval Photographers

Subject: Daniel Alan Bernath-Nomination to your organization

Date: June 19, 2006

  It is my desire to recommend to you a very highly qualified, outstanding sailor and exemplary leader in the Navy combat photography field.

  I have personally witnessed his desire to make combat photography real, true, interesting and meaningful.  In doing, his pictures portrayed the human interests of sadness, happiness, life and death.

 
He frequently volunteered to be the combat photographer on day or night helicopter missions over enemy territory and waters and as the rescue aircrewman on these dangerous flights for which he had been trained.

  He taught many of the new recruits to the photography field the fine art of taking an outstanding picture and was an idol for them.

 Dan Bernath is the kind of sailor, petty officer and shipmate that every commanding officer hopes to have in his organization, especially in the combat zone.

  As his former commanding officer in the combat zone, I highly recommend Daniel Bernath to be an Honorary Chief Petty Officer and a member of your organization.

William L. Bennett, Jr.

William L. Bennett, Jr.
Captain, U S Navy (Retired)
Former Commanding Officer
USS Yorktown, CVS-10