The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Benjamin Benton (MCSN: 361619), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Mortarman of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 16 September 1944. After a large number of hostile snipers infiltrated through the company lines and opened fire on the company mortar emplacements from concealed positions, Private First Class Benton ran through deadly sniper fire to the aid of a wounded runner. Shielding the stricken man with his own body, he carried him to his mortar emplacement where he administered first aid. He then voluntarily led a squad forward and wiped out the nest of snipers. By his courageous actions, Private First Class Benton saved the life of a comrade and removed a serious threat to his section, and his gallant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.