The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Benjamin W. Anderson (ASN: 0-414270), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 July 1944, in and around Normandy, France. Commanding Company K, Captain Anderson was engaged in the first fire fight with the enemy. The enemy were heavily entrenched with earth work, dugouts and pill boxes and using every means at their disposal in delaying the progress of Captain Anderson’s Company. Enemy artillery were subjecting the advance to intense shelling. Throughout the day and night Captain Anderson, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, exposed himself to enemy fire by continually moving through the forward elements of his command encouraging his men by his own example. By his outstanding example of courage, his inspired company was able to take their objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.