The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) Benjamin A. Benton, Jr. (ASN: 0-359212), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 12 February 1942 in action on Bataan, Philippine Islands. Seeing a nearby gun position hit during a heavy bombing and strafing attack, he rushed to the position, while the attack was still in progress and
without regard for his own safety, and, under the continuing enemy air assault,
assisted in evacuating the wounded. Captain Benton’s prompt and courageous
action reflects great credit on himself and the military service.