Silver Star (PFC Benjamin Benton, USMC), Peleliu

Silver Star, wrap brooch, hand-engraved “PFC/Benjamin/Benton/USMC”. PFC Benton, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, was cited for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a mortarman of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 16 September 1944. After a large number of hostile snipers infiltrated through the company lines and opened fire on the company mortar emplacements from concealed positions, Private First Class Benton ran through deadly sniper fire to the aid of a wounded runner. Shielding the stricken man with his own body, he carried him to his mortar emplacement where he administered first aid. He then voluntarily lead a squad forward and wiped out the nest of snipers. By his courageous actions, Private First Class Benton saved the life of a comrade and removed a serious threat to his section…” Born in 1919, Benton died in March 1996 and is buried in Freehold, New Jersey. The First Marines at Peleliu were under the command of Colonel Lewis B. (Chesty) Puller.