The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John E. Benson (NSN: 0-337092), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Nansei Shoto during the period 3 April 1945 through 19 April 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Benson completed ten strikes and flights against the enemy.