The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Armor) Johnny William Benton (ASN: 0-5254228), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 25 November 1968, while serving as an Aircraft Commander with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while conducting a low level reconnaissance of a suspected Viet Cong position, Lieutenant Benton observed four armed communist soldiers entrenched in a well-fortified defensive position. After relaying the enemy’s position to the troop commander, Lieutenant Benton, showing a high degree of courage and complete disregard for his personal safety, fully exposed himself to the enemy ground elements while making three low level passes over the hostile positions in order to mark them precisely with smoke grenades. At this time, the friendly aircraft received an intense barrage of enemy automatic weapons fire, mortally wounding Lieutenant Benton. His heroic actions in locating the enemy elements were instrumental in their destruction. First Lieutenant Benton’s unwavering devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.