Colonel BENJAMIN H. VANDERVOORT, received his first Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism while commanding a battalion of the 505th Parachute Infantry on 6 June 1944 near Ste. Mere Eglise, France. Though he sustained a broken foot in his jump, Lieutenant Colonel Vandervoort refused to be evacuated. He immediately, despite his painful injury, assembled and organized all the available troops from his battalion and personally led it through enemy held territory to the initial objective. With only first-aid treatment for his broken foot, he remained with his unit and directed the defense of its newly won position against a vastly superior enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety he continually moved about the foremost elements, subjecting himself to intense enemy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire. Inspired by his presence, his men successefully withstood repeated enemy counterattacks. The personal bravery, devotion to duty and outstanding leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Vandervoort reflect great credit on himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Colonel Vandervoort joined the Legion of Valor in 1961 and resided in Virginia. View his Gold Star.