The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Major William W. Benson, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer, Marine Defense Forces, Eastern Island, prior to the Japanese attack on 4 June 1942. It was due largely to Major Benson’s tireless efforts and to his skillful and detailed preparations that defensive installations on the island functioned smoothly during and subsequent to the bombing by Japanese carrier-based aircraft on that date. When it became necessary to absorb a large increase in personnel and equipment with only very limited facilities available, he solved these and many other perplexing problems confronting him in an outstanding manner. During the attack he was killed at his battle station. He gave up his life in the service of his country.