The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Second Class David Benson (NS: 3208547), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during the engagement with Japanese naval forces near Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Gunner’s Mate Second Class Benson served as gun captain of the 1.1″ machine gun mount aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599) which was in the screen of an aircraft carrier and which was subjected to repeated attacks by enemy dive and torpedo bombers. With great courage and skill, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Benson maintained accurate control of his mount, destroying three enemy planes. His courage and conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.