The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commodore Howard Hartwell James Benson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving since 14 August 1942, first as Chief of Staff, SEVENTH Naval District, and later, since 12 September 1944, as Chief of Staff, Gulf Sea Frontier and SEVENTH District. Since 14 August 1942, Commodore Benson has been unsparing in care and energy to insure that the comprehensive responsibilities with which he was charged were fully met. Under the Commander, Gulf Sea Frontier, and the Commandant SEVENTH District, he has supervised the complex operational and administrative functions of both the Sea Frontier and the District. Assuming his duties as Chief of Staff, SEVENTH Naval District during the early formative period of the newly located District Headquarters, he so applied himself to problems of personnel procurement, staff organization, establishment of activities and advance bases, and arrangement of effective liaison with the Army and the Coast Guard that he has made material contribution to the furtherance of the war effort. From 3 February 1943 until 1 April 1943, and again from 25 March 1944 until 17 July 1944 he served as Acting Commander, Gulf Sea Frontier, and Commandant SEVENTH Naval District. During the first of these periods, aggressive operations were pursued against enemy submarines operating within the waters of the Gulf Sea Frontier. The situation in Miami has been complicated by particularly difficult problems of housing and discipline and has called for a high degree of loyalty, judgment, firmness, and ability. His constant devotion to duty and his highly efficient performance thereof have been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.