The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain William Lewis Benson (NSN: 0-59300), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while acting as an Atlantic Fleet Escort Commander engaged in escort of trans-Atlantic Convoys during the Second World War. As an Atlantic Fleet Task Force Group Commander, he conducted the escort operations with utmost skill and success. The successful accomplishment of this exacting and difficult task, despite the hazards of enemy submarine infested waters and adverse weather, resulted in the transpiration of men and supplies to sustain the Allied War Fronts in Europe and thereby contributed materially to the prosecution and winning of the war. His sound judgment, professional skill and outstanding performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Benson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain William Lewis Benson (NSN: 0-59300), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in sustained operations against the enemy in the Bay of Seine, Normandy, France, from 6 June 1944 to 4 July 1944 as Division Commander of Destroyer Division THIRTY-FOUR. During this period Captain Benson and the vessels of his Division took part in the operations of the Area Screen which was charged with protecting ships in the Western Naval Task Force Area from attack by German surface forces and submarines and assisting in the protection against aircraft. The performance of this duty by vessels of Commander Benson’s Division was consistently effective. Captain Benson, as Division Commander, directed the operations of the vessels placed under his command with great skill and effectiveness and was of invaluable assistance to the Area Screen Commander. The outstanding performance of duty of Captain Benson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Benson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)