Frank Thomas Bennett

Captain, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 116 (August 25, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Frank T. Bennett (ASN: 0-1185650), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 5 January 1945, near ****, Belgium.
Second Lieutenant Bennett, forward observer with an infantry battalion during an assault under direct fire of an enemy high velocity cannon, left his cover and moved to an open spot in full view of the piece. He skillfully directed artillery fire on the gun until it was destroyed. During the assault on the hill objective later in the day, he moved into view of two machine guns commanding the crest of the hill and silenced them with artillery fire. Although suffering intense pain from frozen feet, Second Lieutenant Bennett refused evacuation and displayed courage and determination of inspiring quality to enable the battalion to successfully complete its mission with a minimum of casualties.
His conduct reflects high credit on himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.