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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Bennet Puryear, Jr. (MCSN: 0-792), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., from March 1942 through July 1943.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June – November, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Bennet Puryear, Jr. (MCSN: 0-792), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. Major Puryear participated in the occupation of the Toulon-Troyon Sectors; on the heights of the Meuse–between Verdun and St. Mihiel; in the battles in the Chateau-Thierry Sector, June 1st to 10th and in the great counter-thrust, southwest of Soissons, July 18 to 19. While a member of the Division Staff, Major Puryear participated in the occupation of the Marbache Sector (just north of Nancy, August 7 to 20;) the battle of St. Mihiel, September 12th to 16th; the battle of Blanc-Mont-Ridge, October 1st to 10th; and the battle of Meuse-Argonne, November 1st to 11th; the march on the Rhine, and the occupation of the Coblenz Bridge Head. Major Puryear played an important part in the successful workings of the Department of Administration. The services, as above outlined, were conspicuous, highly meritorious and in duty of great responsibility.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1918
    Citation Orders No. 88, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major Bennet Puryear, Jr. (MCSN: 0-792), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Major Puryear distinguished himself while serving with Headquarters, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I.