(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Marion Arnold Benson (ASN: 0-806035), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 514th Fighter Squadron, 406th Fighter-Bomber Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 17 June 1944, in support of Allied ground forces following the landings at Normandy France. On this date, in aerial engagement, First Lieutenant Benson’s fighter was badly damaged and he himself was critically wounded. With little hope for survival otherwise, Lieutenant Benson dove his falling fighter plane into a German gun position, sacrificing his life to destroy an enemy strongpoint. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Benson on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.