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 (Corps of Engineers) Benjamin S. Persons (ASN: 0-503797), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 142d Engineer Combat Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 18 March 1945 at Ludwigswinkel, Germany. During the attack upon the Seigfried Line, Lieutenant Persons constantly reconnoitered for roads and routes of approach under enemy fire in order to obtain information essential to the advance of the Division. Entering the town of Ludwigswinkel, Germany, immediately in front of the enemy fortifications, on 18 March 1945, he observed that the bridges across the Saarbach River were intact. Although pinned down by intense enemy mortar and sniper fire, Lieutenant Persons succeeded in withdrawing and returned with the information, enabling our forces to secure a bridgehead over the river and to effect a surprise attack upon the enemy. His courageous action contributed greatly to the successful breaching of the Siegfried Line.