The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard W. Benton (MCSN: 0-37366), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine Attack Squadron in Korea. On 25 November 1952, Captain Benton was the leader of a section of attack aircraft flying air cover over mine sweeping operations on the West Coast of Korea. During this operation, he was requested to neutralize enemy positions near Kumsan-ni. Captain Benton located the positions and in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire initiated a bombing run, successfully neutralizing the area. Leaving the area, Captain Benton’s section conducted a reconnaissance for targets of opportunity. Locating a road repair crew, with nearby stacks of supplies defended by enemy troops, he successfully destroyed the supplies and inflicted heavy enemy casualties. In addition, he directed his wingman to bomb an enemy truck which was then damaged by the wingman’s attack. Retiring from the target, Captain Benton located and bombed a concrete block house starting a fire therein. His location of several important enemy targets, upon which he skillfully expended the ordnance of his flight, caused heavy damage to the enemy. His exceptional leadership, courageous conduct and devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.