The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Joseph S. Benton (NSN: 6698168), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period 26 July 1944 to 3 March 1945. Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Benton completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.