Summer 2021 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 183:
Description
WWII working green uniform of Lieut. Robert H. Benson with bullion Naval Aviator wings. He is credited with sinking one Japanese Aircraft Carrier at the Battle of Midway earning a Navy Cross, and another carrier at the Battle of Solomon Islands earning a second Navy Cross. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Robert Haines Benson (NSN: 0-104476), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the "Air Battle of Midway, " against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Ensign Benson took part in dive-bombing attacks against Japanese naval forces in the Battle of Midway. Disregarding the extreme danger from intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, he, vigorously and with heroic determination, pressed home his attacks against the Japanese invasion fleet thereby contributing in great measure to the glorious and decisive victory of our forces.The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Haines Benson (NSN: 0-104476), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during the operations of U.S. Naval Forces against a Japanese naval task force in the Solomon Islands Area on 24 August 1942. Without regard for intense anti-aircraft fire and air opposition he delivered his dive bombing attack with utmost vigor and heroic determination. Is so doing he contributed in an extraordinary measure to the probable destruction of a Japanese aircraft carrier. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert Haines Benson (NSN: 0-104476), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the first operation against the enemy in the Tokyo Area, Japan, on 16 February 1945, as pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane. He led his division on a fighter sweep against enemy installations and aircraft. While making successive strafing attacks on enemy airfields he engaged enemy fighters in the air, shooting down one in flames. He destroyed two other aircraft, and damaged two on the ground. With accurate rocket fire he severely damaged a hangar. This mission was carried out under extremely adverse weather conditions which proved hazardous to carrier operations. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert Haines Benson (NSN: 0-104476), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Japanese Empire and adjacent Island Chains. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 16 February 1945 to 11 May 1945 he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. Very nice condition for its age. (I E 1)
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