Adolfo Benavides

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Adolfo Benavides (1264474), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Rifleman of Company D, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 6 October 1952. Although seriously wounded when his unit was subjected to intense hostile mortar and artillery fire while moving to a defensive position forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Benavides gallantly refused to be evacuated and bravely proceeded to his assigned position at the outpost. When a fanatical enemy attack by overwhelming forces was launched against the post immediately after the unit’s arrival wounding and disabling the other Marines in a bunker occupied by Private First Class Benavides, he courageously recovered hostile hand grenades as they were thrown into the shelter and quickly hurled them back at the enemy. Severely wounded a second time when one of the grenades detonated in his hand, he was largely instrumental in saving the lives of his helpless comrades and in repulsing the enemy’s attempts to occupy a vital position. His resolute fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of heavy odds reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Benavides and the United States Naval Service.