The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) William Boyce Benko (ASN: 0-5425364), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Benko distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 16 July 1968, while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with Company C, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission. The company became pinned down while trying to maneuver out of the landing zone. Exposing himself to heavy fire, Lieutenant Benko directed a series of airstrikes on the enemy bunker positions, silencing them and enabling the company to advance. When the second lift of helicopters touched down, Lieutenant Benko directed again exposed himself in order to coordinate airstrikes and medium artillery fire to provide cover for the disembarking troops. He directed accurate supporting fire to enable two more companies to be inserted, then directed an airstrike against the southern flank, where the enemy was beginning to press his company. Exposing himself to .50 caliber machine gun fire, Lieutenant Benko then pinpointed the automatic weapons position and silenced it. For the remainder of the night, Lieutenant Benko continued to direct artillery, airstrikes and flare ships in support of the ground element, often within 50 to 75 meters of friendly positions, and without inflicting any American casualties. His actions were instrumental in the success of the mission. First Lieutenant Benko’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.