The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Benjamin Leonard Atwater, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 99th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, 5 October 1918. Lieutenant Atwater started on a photographic mission with Lieutenant Alexander pilot, over the enemy’s lines. Forced back by seven enemy planes, he determined to complete his mission, and re-crossed the line eight minutes later. A large group of enemy pursuit machines again attacked his plane. Disregarding his wound, he operated his machine-gun with such effect that the nearest of the enemy planes was put down out of control.