Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1933. He subsequently had duty afloat in the battleship ARIZONA, the cruisers SAN FRANCISCO and CONCORD, the destroyers PERRY, ZANE and DALE and the submarine tender BUSHNELL, which was then assigned to Hydrographic Survey duty.

In June 1941, he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, and was serving there when the United States entered World War II. Between January and May 1943 he was Executive Officer of the USS SCHROEDER, after which he commanded the USS COGHLAN.

In the summer of 1945 he assumed command of the USS McCAFFERY and in March 1947 was detached to return to duty in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. A destroyer man participating in operations in the Pacific Area in World War II: Benjamin Ballard Cheatham later saw action at Inchon during the Korean hostilities as Assistant Operations officer on the staff of Commander SEVENTH Fleet.

For his outstanding service and conspicuous gallantry during these periods he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Bronze Star Medal. In July 1950, he joined the staff of commander SEVENTH Fleet as Assistant Operations officer and in March 1951 transferred, -in a similar capacity to the staff of Commander FIRST Fleet. For a year (July 1951 -July 1952) he was in command of Destroyer Division TWELVE and after instruction at the Naval War College, again had duty in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He commanded the attack transport VERMILION from March 1956 until April 1957 and in June became Commander Destroyer Squadron SIXTEEN.

In October 1958 he was assigned to the Joint Staff (Logistics), Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D. C., where he remained until relieved of all active duty pending his retirement, effective April 1, 1961.