The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Robert Haines Benson (NSN: 0-104476), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Ensign Benson took part in dive-bombing attacks against Japanese naval forces in the Battle of Midway. Disregarding the extreme danger from intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, he, vigorously and with heroic determination, pressed home his attacks against the Japanese invasion fleet thereby contributing in great measure to the glorious and decisive victory of our forces. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Haines Benson (NSN: 0-104476), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during the operations of U.S. Naval Forces against a Japanese naval task force in the Solomon Islands Area on 24 August 1942. Without regard for intense anti-aircraft fire and air opposition he delivered his dive bombing attack with utmost vigor and heroic determination. Is so doing he contributed in an extraordinary measure to the probable destruction of a Japanese aircraft carrier. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.