BENJAMIN G. PRESTON, Ensign, United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism and courageous perserverance as pilot of an airplane of a Bombing Squadron in dive bombing attacks against enemy Japanese forces in Tulagi Harbor on May 4, and in an attack on an enemy aircraft carrier in the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942. Pressing home these attacks in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and, on May 8, 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.

Mr. Preston joined the Legion of Valor in 1985. View Mr. Preston’s First Gold Star and Second Gold Star.