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 Theodore W. Beben (ASN: 31232817), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 7 July 1944 to 8 July 1944, in France. During the hedgerow fighting in France, in order to employ tanks, it was necessary to blast paths through the hedgerows with dynamite as roads were not safe due to mines and enemy anti-tank guns. Private First Class Beben and a comrade performed this dangerous task on ten different occasions although enemy fire was intense. On one occasion enemy fire was particularly heavy but Private First Class Beben courageously continued until he was wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Beben, 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.