The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) George David Benham, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 27 December 1971, while serving with Advisory Team 43, Third Regional Assistance Command, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On that date, a United States Helicopter was hit by a B-40 rocket. The aircraft burst into a ball of flames, and crashed into a landing zone during a combat assault. In spite of intense enemy fire and with total disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Benham organized and led a group of Regional Forces troops towards the downed helicopter in an attempt to clear the landing zone for a medevac-aircraft to land. Braving withering enemy fire from all directions, Captain Benham took command of the soldiers, forming them into an assault line to sweep the area. His swift and decisive action rallied the Vietnamese unit to even greater efforts to save the crew. Upon reaching the downed helicopter, he took charge of the circling gunships, directing their fire power against enemy strong points. The enemy continued to pour heavy small arms, rocket and machine gun fire at the downed aircraft and the defending Vietnamese troops. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, he repeatedly exposed himself to carry the wounded and the crew of the helicopter to safety. Captain Benham’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.