Benjamin L. Atwater

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Benjamin L. Atwater, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, October 5, 1918. Lieutenant Atwater started on a photographic mission with Lieutenant Alexander pilot, over the enemy’s lines. Forced back by seven enemy planes, he determined to complete his mission, and re-crossed the line eight minutes later. A large group of enemy pursuit machines again attacked his plane. Disregarding his wound, he operated his machine-gun with such effect that the nearest of the enemy planes was put down out of control.