The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Benjamin Edgar Bess (NSN: 3815004), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an aircrewman in a carrier-based Torpedo Aircraft, in a strike against major units of a task force of the enemy fleet in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. He courageously performed his duties in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, and his skill as an aircrewman contributed materially to the success of the overwhelming attacks against the enemy fleet by this Task Force. His coolness, skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Benjamin Edgar Bess (NSN: 3815004), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period from 24 September to 24 October 1944. Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Bess 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.