The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Benjamin T. Ammons (ASN: 0-348139), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 2d Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, in 1944 and 1945. One of Lieutenant Colonel Ammons companies was going into a German town in support of another battalion. Timing and coordination wee important, and Lieutenant Colonel Ammons seemed to be everywhere at once, directing the operation in spite of the heavy artillery and the menace of snipers. After the attack was under way, Lieutenant Colonel Ammons resolutely stuck close to his battalion, encouraging them and successfully directing their efforts. Due to the careful planning and masterfully handling of the attack, the defending Germans were outfoxed, outfought, and either killed or captured before they had time to mount a response. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Ammons, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.