The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant William D. Bennettson (MCSN: 1207781), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron in Korea. On 11 June 1953, Staff Sergeant Bennettson served as radar operator for a Marine jet night fighter escorting a pre-dawn flight of medium bombers on a high priority aerial assault against heavily defended military installations deep in enemy territory. Constantly on his radar screen he immediately directed the interception of hostile jet fighters, causing them to break of the attack. Staff Sergeant Bennettson’s technical ability and exact navigation on this and many other night escort flights were responsible for repelling numerous attacks by hostile fighters and enabled the bombing aircraft to complete their missions unmolested. His courageous conduct, exemplary initiative and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.