William S. Bennett

Navy Cross

World War I

U.S. Coast Guard

The Navy Cross is presented to William S. Bennett, Keeper, U.S. Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service during the explosion and fire of the shell-loading plant Gillespie, at Morgan, N.J., October 4 to 5, 1918 Bennett remained in charge in a very dangerous zone with shell fragments flying in the vicinity, standing bravely at his post for hours and hours.