Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Benjamin Schofield Berry (MCSN: 0-71), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifth Machine-Gun Battalion, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, northwest of Chateau-Thierry, France. Major Berry led his men in a gallant attack across and into the Bois-de-Belleau on the afternoon of 6 June 1918, inspiring them to deeds of valor by his example. When he reached the edge of the woods he fell, severely wounded. Nevertheless he arose and made a final dash of 30 yards across an open field through a storm of bullets, and reached again the first wave of his command, before yielding to exhaustion from his injury.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    5th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Benjamin S. Berry (MCSN: 0-71), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Machine-Gun Battalion, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, northwest of Chateau-Thierry, France. Major Berry led his men in a gallant attack across and into the Bois-de-Belleau on the afternoon of 6 June 1918, inspiring them to deeds of valor by his example. When he reached the edge of the woods he fell, severely wounded. Nevertheless he arose and made a final dash of 30 yards across an open field through a storm of bullets, and reached again the first wave of his command, before yielding to exhaustion from his injury.