The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from April 1967 to January 1969 as Commandant of the FIRST Naval District, with additional duty as Commander of the Naval Base, Boston, Massachusetts. Rear Admiral Benson displayed skilled diplomacy, sound judgment, and outstanding leadership in coordinating the activities of the many Naval commands in his area, thereby greatly enhancing the support provided to the operating forces of the Navy. His relationship with the civilian community was particularly exemplary and was characterized by mutual respect and vigorous action in solving mutual problems. His thorough knowledge of the organization and management of the Navy, coupled with his ability to communicate with conviction and expertise, made him an invaluable asset in enhancing the position of the Navy. Through his personal attention and constant support of recruitment in the Regular Navy and the Naval Reserve, he contributed greatly to the success of the Navy recruiting program in the FIRST Naval District. Largely due to his skillful guidance, the FIRST Naval District was commended by the Department of Defense for the excellent summer recreation program offered to disadvantaged youths of the area. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Rear Admiral Benson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Navy.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Roy Stanley Benson (NSN: 0-62578), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1962 to February 1967. As Assistant Vice Chief of Naval Operations/Director of Naval Administration, Rear Admiral Benson consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, resourcefulness and managerial ability in planning, organizing and coordinating the many diverse activities of his office. He was deeply involved in the planning for, and implementation of, the reorganization of the Navy Department and, in March 1966, directed the preliminary work leading to the preparation of studies and analysis which became part of the data input to the Task Force which he was designated to direct. As Director of a Task Force to study the structure of the Department of the Navy incident to the unilinear organization effected in May 1966, Rear Admiral Benson inspired confidence and created an atmosphere of objective and rational approach to the many problems of complex organization and its related intricate tasks and responsibilities, contributing in large measure toward the implementation of many of the recommendations of the Task Force even before its final plan and recommendation had been promulgated. His tact, diplomacy and adroitness in gaining the acceptance of officials involved in these recommendations was a major achievement in itself.