The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Benjamin E. DuPree, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Medical Corpsman during World War II. When Japanese planes made a surprise bombing attack on his advanced naval base in the South Pacific, Chief DuPree ran to the assistance of the injured and administered first aid. By his skill and fearless devotion to duty, he undoubtedly saved the lives of two seriously wounded comrades who otherwise might have perished.