Navy Federal Credit Union

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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service 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

    War Department, General Orders No. 99 (1919), Amended Supplement 1

    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.