The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Walter F. Bennett, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SC-655 in action against the enemy during the invasion of Italy in September 1943. Operating with the Amphibious Force during this period, Lieutenant Commander Bennett with great courage and skill maneuvered his ship- at night through known enemy mine fields in the face of enemy air attacks and fire from shore batteries to anchor in an assigned position 3,000 yards off the assault beaches. From this exposed position which he accurately established and maintained for six hours during air attacks and shore battery fire, he turned his searchlight beam to seaward and by this means and by voice radio guided the assault boat waves to the proper beaching points and thereby contributed materially to the timely and successful landing of the invasion forces. By his exceptional courage, determination and outstanding devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation, Lieutenant Commander Bennett contributed significantly to the success of the assault landing and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.