Benjamin P. Lamberton (25 February 1844 - 9 June 1912) was an admiral in the United States Navy who served in the Spanish-American War.
Born in Pennsylvania, Lamberton was appointed Midshipman 21 September 1861. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1865 and was attached to the steam sloop Susquehanna of the Brazil Squadron . Following 30 years of service in various ships and shore operations, Lamberton was promoted to captain 17 May 1898. He served as chief of staff on board Admiral George Dewey’s flagship Olympia in the Battle of Manila Bay.
An incident during the heat of the battle demonstrated the ardor of Olympia’s crew. On learning of Dewey’s decision to give the crew a break for breakfast, a gun captain commented to Captain Lamberton, “For God’s sake, Captain, don’t let us stop now. To hell with breakfast!”
Lamberton was promoted to rear admiral 11 September 1903 and died in Washington, D.C., 9 June 1912.
The destroyer USS Lamberton (DD-119) was named for him.