William R. Benn, Jr.
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 6 June 1944, Technical Sergeant William R. Benn, Jr. was serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, First U.S. Army, in the European Theater of Operations.

On D-Day, TSGT Benn's unit was in action against German forces at Normandy, France. TSGT Benn landed on the coast of France with the initial assault waves under heavy enemy small arms, mortar and rocket fire. His platoon leader was seriously wounded as soon as they reached the beach and he assumed command. He led his platoon under heavy fire through an uncharted mine field and up the steep slope toward the enemy positions. The intense fire caused several casualties and threatened to stop the advance. TSGT Benn then advanced alone towards the enemy positions, silencing their guns. Although seriously wounded in this action, TSGT Benn persisted in his efforts until he had carried out his self-appointed mission. Technical Sergeant Benn's aggressive leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant William R. Benn, Jr. (ASN: 12009565), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Technical Sergeant Benn landed on the coast of France with the initial assault waves under heavy enemy small arms, mortar and rocket fire. His platoon leader was seriously wounded as soon as they reached the beach and he immediately assumed command. He led his platoon under heavy enemy fire through an uncharted mine field and up the steep slope toward the enemy positions. The intense enemy fire caused several casualties and threatened to stop the advance. Technical Sergeant Benn, completely disregarding his own safety, advanced alone towards the enemy positions, silencing their guns. Though seriously wounded in the course of this action, Technical Sergeant Benn persisted in his efforts until he had carried out his self-appointed mission. Technical Sergeant Benn's aggressive leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 45 (August 9, 1944)

Burial

Technical Sergeant William R. Benn, Jr. is buried at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial at Coton, South Cambridgeshire District, in Cambridgeshire, England, in Plot B, Row 3, Grave 22.