The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Benjamin Franklin Delamater, III (ASN: 0-23305), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Kumsong, Korea, on 15 October 1951. While with the forward elements of his battalion near an enemy occupied hill, Colonel Delamater observed a platoon well out in front of all other friendly units that was under heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire. Using his field glasses from his position in the front lines, he noticed that the men appeared to be disorganized and without a leader. With complete disregard for his own safety, he began working his way forward to the group. Enemy machine gunners swept his immediate area with devastating bursts but he continued to advance. An enemy mortar round exploded nearby and its concussion knocked him off his feet. Then his helmet was knocked off by small arms fire. But, undaunted he continued to move forward and, by alternately creeping and crawling, succeeded in reaching the isolated platoon. There he learned that the platoon was a unit from an adjacent battalion, and that their platoon leader had been seriously wounded. Still under heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire, Colonel Delamater reorganized the group and, assuring himself that no wounded were left behind, led the platoon back to friendly lines. Once back in friendly territory, he skillfully directed mortar and artillery fire on the enemy positions which had fired on him during his rescue mission, destroying many of them. Colonel Delamater’s courageous action, outstanding leadership and aggressive initiative reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.