The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps) Benjamin Franklin Mortensen (ASN: 0-999809), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Chaplain assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 27 July 1953, the 1st Battalion Headquarters area in the vicinity of Pong-Dong, Korea, was subjected to a devastating concentration of artillery fire by enemy forces. Chaplain Mortensen, who was positioned in the command post at the inception of the action, made his way directly to the aid station in anticipation of casualties. As he moved through the intensely shelled area, he came upon an officer lying critically wounded on the open ground. As enemy fire increased in intensity, Chaplain Mortensen unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the wounded man, shielding him from further harm. When the fire diminished, Chaplain Mortensen aided in the further removal of the wounded officer to the aid station and remained there giving comfort and assistance to the wounded. As the shelling continued, Chaplain Mortensen again exposed himself to the enemy fire as he moved about to render aid and comfort to other men who fell casualties to the relentless fire. Chaplain Mortensen’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.