By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class William E. Benson (ASN: 170080), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Battery A, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during operations north of Verdun from 4 October to 20 October 1918, Private First Class Benson rendered distinguished service as Runner between Infantry and Artillery and was performing an extremely hazardous mission when he was wounded on 16 October 1918.