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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) William Grover Benn (ASN: 0-21524), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 63d Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in bombing missions from 1 to 25 October 1942 against enemy Japanese ground and surface targets in Southwest Pacific War Area. On the night of 1 – 2 October, 1942, a 15,000-ton transport was hit and set afire; a 7,000 tone cargo ship was hit and left smoking; one cruiser and one unidentified vessel probably were damaged. Two sticks of bombs ere dropped across Lukanau airdrome, causing heavy explosions. The night of 24 – 25 October a cruiser, a destroyer, two large merchantmen, a transport and a small cargo vessel were believed damaged. A direct hit was scored on the cruiser, which also was strafed from low altitude. On the night of 24 – 25 October, two 5,000-ton merchantmen were hit and believed sunk, a large merchantman was damaged and one gunboat was blown up. In addition, hits were scored on the dock areas. Headquarters estimates that the total tonnage of Japanese shipping sunk or put out of commission by these raids amounted to 100,000 tons. All three of these missions encountered severe weather conditions en route to and from the target, making navigation exceedingly difficult. Due to low cloud formations over the target area, the attacks were launched at altitudes ranging from 200 to 5,000 feet. All attacks were made in the face of heavily concentrated anti-aircraft fire. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Benn during this period have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    63d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    43d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    September 19, 1942 – January 18, 1943
    War Department, General Orders No. 24 (May 18, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Major (Air Corps) William Grover Benn (ASN: 0-21524), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a positions of great responsibility with Headquarters, FIFTH Air Force, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, from 19 September 1942 to 18 January 1943. As Commanding Officer of the 63d Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group, Major Benn’s planning and leadership brought remarkable achievement to his group as well as to his squadron. Despite interception and difficult flying weather, his combat crews fought their way over the target on 30 days of the period between 19 September and 18 November 1942. During this period 33 Japanese vessels were destroyed or severely damaged, and 18 enemy aircraft destroyed. This notable record was made without the loss of an airplane, and only three men were wounded. Major Benn’s squadron also was largely responsible for introducing low altitude bombing and proving it practicable. Later, as assistant to the Chief of Operations, Advance Echelon, Headquarters FIFTH Air Force, he continued to develop low altitude bombing, and by his tactical ingenuity, bold experimentation, and extensive planning of combat operations, contributed greatly to the success of the FIFTH Air Force in the New Guinea and New Britain areas. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Benn and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.