Benjamin Raymond Marsh, Jr. (11 October 1916 – 7 December 1941)was born on 11 October 1916 in Lansing, Michigan. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve on 17 August 1940 at Detroit, Michigan. His enlistment terminated 13 February 1941, and he was appointed midshipman in the Reserve the following day, receiving his commission as ensign on 15 May 1941. Initially assigned to the seaplane tender USS Tangier (AV-8), he was transferred on 4 November 1941 to USS Arizona (BB-39).