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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Oscar Benson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Benson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1969, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on an air mobile operation in the Plain of Reeds. While moving into a heavy undergrowth, the platoon came under devastating automatic weapons and small arms fire, effectively immobilizing them. Boldy crawling forward under intense hostile fire, First Lieutenant Benson moved from man to man to maintain control and establish effective return fire. When he saw that some of his men were wounded, he risked his life to move through the withering enemy fire to aid in their evacuation. Realizing that return fire alone was insufficient, First Lieutenant Benson courageously led his platoon on an advance that succeeded in routing the enemy. First Lieutenant Benson’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    5th Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 3, 1969
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3595 (September 22, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Oscar Benson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Benson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 August 1969 while serving as platoon leader during an airmobile reconnaissance operation in the Plain of Reeds. As the members of his element moved through the area, they come under a devastating barrage of hostile rocket-propelled grenade and machine gun fire which wounded two soldiers. Rushing through the strafing fusillade, Lieutenant Benson reached the two casualties, one of whom he carried to a sheltered position to receive medical aid. He then returned for the second injured infantryman. When the wounded had been cared for, Lieutenant Benson organized his platoon for an assault on the hostile fortifications and called in artillery and gunships. Despite the supporting fire, the element remained pinned down by enemy bullets. As he directed another air strike, the rest of his unit was inserted behind the enemy in order to effect a sweeping maneuver. When the additional members of the company also become pinned down, Lieutenant Benson crawled forward to the communist bunkers. Throwing hand grenades with precision, he silenced the machine gun emplacement. First Lieutenant Benson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    5th Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 11, 1969
    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 4922 (December 28, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Oscar Benson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 11 October 1969, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company E, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date his platoon was divided into three teams to conduct raids on intelligence targets. While two of the teams were approaching targets, they reported enemy movement to Lieutenant Benson and soon opened fire. Upon reaching the scene of the contact, he spotted a Viet Cong and quickly eliminated him. As Lieutenant Benson’s boat was moving out from the shore, it came under intense enemy fire from the opposite side of the river. Although the enemy was covering his boat with heavy machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire, he stood up and marked the enemy positions with tracer fire to guide supporting aircraft. First Lieutenant Benson’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.