GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 256  5 July 1951

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named officer and enlisted men :

CAPTAIN HARRY R. BENSLEY, 0411584, Infantry, Company "M", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 16 December 1950, near Sangsong-ni, Korea, a violent attack was made against the right flank of Company "M". Small enemy groups quickly penetrated positions under cover of darkness and by effective use of automatic weapons, small arms, mortars and hand grenades. The command post of Company "M" came under direct attack and was forced to move to the rear. Radio contact with platoons failed and Captain BENSLEY, seeing the need for quick, positive action, directed heavy mortar fire on the penetration area and its immediate front. While constantly exposed to enemy fire, he then led his group and other men who had been displaced by enemy action, back to their positions. Captain BENSLEY'S courageous and decisive action, resulting in the complete rout of the enemy and allowing the company to retake its former positions, reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from the State of New York.

 Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.

Back