The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Benjamin (MCSN: 2095699), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 March 1966 during Operation UTAH, the platoon to which Corporal Benjamin was attached as an assault section Squad Leader was assigned the mission of securing the high ground on the right half of the company zone of action. Shortly after the hill was secured, his platoon was subjected to intense and accurate automatic weapons and mortar fire from a concealed and well entrenched Viet Cong force. When the entire platoon became pinned down and Marine casualties mounted, Corporal Benjamin realized that fire superiority must be attained in order to evacuate the wounded. Without regard for his own safety, he grabbed a machine gun from a disabled team and rushed to the top of the hill to a position from which he could spot the source of the hostile fire. Completely exposing himself to the withering enemy fire, he sighted targets and delivered a heavy volume of fire which achieved fire superiority and enabled others to move the wounded. When the Viet Cong commenced a savage counterattack later in the engagement, Corporal Benjamin courageously remained in position, inflicting heavy damage on the enemy. Although he was painfully wounded by hostile mortar fire, he withdrew only when a new company defensive position had been established. By his intrepid fighting spirit, bold initiative and selfless dedication to duty throughout, Corporal Benjamin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.