Francis R. Neis

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Francis R. Neis, Corporal, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 31st Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Corporal Neis, conspicuous for his bravery, with disregard for his own safety during the strafing by Japanese planes went to the aid of a wounded soldier some distance from the hangar and while returning the wounded man to the hangar was strafed by machine gun fire. Corporal Neis was hurt in the strafing, the wounded man was killed. Corporal Neis returned to the field to aid another wounded man. He was again subjected to strafing but brought this man to safety in the hangar.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross