The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Victor L. Benfatti (MCSN: 450814), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. Unhesitatingly volunteering to take part in an attempt to silence enemy gun emplacements threatening the advance of an infantry battalion, Private First Class Benfatti courageously proceeded under intense hostile fire and, with several comrades, attacked and destroyed seven vital enemy positions, killing fourteen Japanese and driving out numerous others. Ordered to return to the command post with captured military documents, he worked his way over difficult jungle terrain swept by hostile machine guns and delivered the papers, subsequently re-joining his comrades in continued attacks against the Japanese. Private First Class Benfatti’s daring initiative and valiant conduct in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.