Francis X. Popper

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Army Award) to Francis X. Popper (K-100024), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Cost and Geodetic Survey, for gallantry in action while serving with the U.S. Cost and Geodetic Survey on Palawan, Philippine Islands from 8 February 1945 to 13 February 1945. During this period Lieutenant Commander Popper voluntarily participated in an extremely hazardous reconnaissance of enemy-held beaches at Palawan to determine areas suitable for a forthcoming assault landing by American troops. With a small party he departed from Mindoro in a PT boat, ingeniously contacted Filipino guerillas and planned an examination of the beaches. After an unsuccessful initial attempt to land, due to surf and coral reefs, Lieutenant Commander Popper, disregarding the close proximity of approximately 1800 Japanese, reconnoitered several units on the shore and obtained information which proved invaluable to the success of the Palawan invasion. His gallantry, poise, leadership and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds were conspicuous and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.