The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Chief Radioman James C. Bennett (NSN: 3763810), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Gunner and Radioman in a carrier-based dive bomber assigned to attack large Japanese Carrier Forces in the vicinity of the Eastern Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships, he performed his duties skillfully during the fire and materially assisted his pilot in scoring a direct bomb hit on a large enemy aircraft carrier. During retirement from this scene of action his plane was attacked by five enemy fighters. By skillfully handling his guns with only one gun firing, he was able to successfully ward off the attack of the enemy fighters until his pilot could take advantage of cloud cover. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.