The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Benjamin Harrison Purcell (ASN: 0-61035/NSN: 7462670), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States as a member of Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, during the period 25 June 1951 to 7 December 1951. During this period, Lieutenant Purcell performed his duties as the Battalion Communications Officer in an exemplary manner. Despite adversities that frequently necessitated departure from accepted methods and procedures, Lieutenant Purcell, through his initiative, aggressive leadership, and consummate skill, surmounted all obstacles and rendered a thorough and invaluable service to his unit. His constant supervision of the laying of wire and the maintenance of communications along the entire battalion front, materially assisted the battalion in carrying out its assigned missions. Often when the men of his platoon were employed on other communications projects, Lieutenant Purcell voluntarily sought the source of the interruptions of the communications service and remedied them. This frequently led him to expose himself to many dangers while tracing broken lines during the midst of combat operations and making on the spot repairs. In addition to directing active communications operations, he devoted much of his valuable time to training new personnel and instructing others in new techniques which were valuable in expediting the completion of all communications assignments. Throughout his entire period of service, Lieutenant Purcell demonstrated superior personal attributes and these, coupled with his earnest application and zealous devotion to duty, were direct contributions to the successful pursuit of the combat mission of the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. The meritorious service of Lieutenant Purcell reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Benjamin Harrison Purcell (ASN: 0-61035/NSN: 7462670), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States. As Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, X Corps, In action against the enemy in Korea during the period 13 December 1951 to 30 April 1952. During this time Lieutenant Purcell displayed fine judgment and outstanding initiative in assisting the Corps Commander with tactical operations which materially aided the United Nations’ effort in the fight for World Peace. His intelligent approach and broad knowledge of his varied responsibilities as Aide were of great assistance to the Corps Commander and his spirit of cooperation was an inspiration to those who worked with him. The outstanding leadership and exceptional ability demonstrated by Lieutenant Purcell reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.