John O. Benson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John O. Benson, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Benson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 August 1969 while serving as platoon leader during an airmobile reconnaissance operation in the Plain of Reeds. As the members of his element moved through the area, they come under a devastating barrage of hostile rocket-propelled grenade and machine gun fire which wounded two soldiers. Rushing through the strafing fusillade, Lieutenant Benson reached the two casualties, one of whom he carried to a sheltered position to receive medical aid. He then returned for the second injured infantryman. When the wounded had been cared for, Lieutenant Benson organized his platoon for an assault on the hostile fortifications and called in artillery and gunships. Despite the supporting fire, the element remained pinned down by enemy bullets. As he directed another air strike, the rest of his unit was inserted behind the enemy in order to effect a sweeping maneuver. When the additional members of the company also become pinned down, Lieutenant Benson crawled forward to the communist bunkers. Throwing hand grenades with precision, he silenced the machine gun emplacement. First Lieutenant Benson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3595 (September 22, 1969)