Captain Benjamin Gifford PRESTON, USNR

Awards and Citations

1. Navy Cross
   Awarded for actions during World War Two
   
   The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Benjamin Gifford Preston (NSN: 0-84203), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIVE (VT-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in dive bombing against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in an attack on an enemy aircraft carrier in the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. Pressing home these attacks in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and, on 8 May, also harassed by heavy aircraft opposition, Ensign Preston assisted greatly in the sinking or damaging of the carrier and eight other enemy vessels. His conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds contributed materially to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea.
   
   General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 14 (June 28, 1942)
   Action Date: May 4, 7 & 8, 1942
   Service: Naval Reserve
   Rank: Lieutenant
   Company: Torpedo Squadron 5 (VT-5)
   Division: U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

   
   
2. Navy Cross
   Awarded for actions during World War Two
   
   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 Benjamin Gifford Preston (NSN: 0-84203), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 - 6 June 1942. Defying extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, Lieutenant Preston, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, participated in persistent and vigorous attacks against the Japanese invasion fleet. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important objective contributed in large measure to the success achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
   
   General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 18a (July 18, 1942)
   Action Date: June 4 - 6, 1942
   Service: Naval Reserve
   Rank: Lieutenant
   Company: Scouting Squadron 5 (VS-5)
   Division: U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

   
   
3. Navy Cross
   Awarded for actions during World War Two
   
   The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Benjamin Gifford Preston (NSN: 0-84203), 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 EIGHTEEN (VB-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 26 October 1944. As leader of a division of 16 carrier-based dive bombers, Lieutenant Preston participated in an attack which obtained five confirmed hits on an enemy carrier Task Force. He dropped his bomb load squarely on an enemy battleship in the face of anti-aircraft fire that seriously damaged his engine. He made a successful water landing, saving his own life and that of his crewman. The action in which he took part removed a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippine Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
   
   General Orders: Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0533 (September 11, 1945)
   Action Date: 26-Oct-44
   Service: Naval Reserve 
   Rank: Lieutenant
   Company: Bombing Squadron 18 (VB-18)
   Division: U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)