The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Loren Benkendorf (ASN: 36304253), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action 15 March 1945 near Reipertsweiler, France. When the advance of his platoon was halted by an enemy road block, Private Benkendorf advanced alone to silence the enemy machine gun. Unmindful of his own safety, he exposed himself to heavy automatic and rifle fire and hurled a hand grenade into the emplacement, killing the gunner and forcing the remaining enemy to surrender. By his outstanding courage and devotion to duty, Private Benkendorf made possible the continued advance of his platoon.