Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    May 26, 1953

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 14949 (September 16, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Joseph F. Benson (MCSN: 0-33833), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine jet photographic squadron in Korea. On 26 May 1953, as pilot of an unarmed Marine jet photographic aircraft, Captain Benson conducted a high priority aerial reconnaissance mission deep in enemy territory to obtain photographic vitally needed by the United Nations Air Command of the area between the Yalu and Chong-chon Rivers. In order to achieve the element of surprise necessary to the successful accomplishment of his mission, Captain Benson proceeded without benefit of armament or fighter escort into an area known to be defended by enemy jet interceptors and concentrated anti-aircraft batteries. Displaying superb airmanship, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft at minimum altitude through intense and accurate barrages of hostile anti-aircraft fire to obtain the photographic coverage requested. With complete disregard for his own safety, he remained at low level and pressed his mission to completion despite the fact that he sighted a flight of enemy jet fighters in the area. Captain Benson’s heroic actions and exemplary initiative were responsible for the success of a mission that obtained vitally needed photographs far in excess of that normally expected under the flight conditions encountered. His courageous conduct, outstanding professional ability and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.