Francis W. Dawson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Francis W. Dawson (0-400036), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Dawson led his Ranger Platoon ashore in the invasion of France against heavy enemy artillery, machine gun, and small arms fire. He then personally took charge of the breaching of wire entanglements. When a gap was created, he led his platoon through it and directed them in scaling a 100-foot cliff. Upon reaching the top of the cliff, he, accompanied by one soldier, rushed forward with a submachine gun and destroyed a German pill box, killing or capturing the enemy located therein. First Lieutenant Dawson’s aggressive leadership, personal courage and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.