Frank A. Gatz

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Frank A. Gatz (11501121), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Tank Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, from 24 to 27 July 1953. Serving as a Tank Commander, Staff Sergeant Gatz displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. When the enemy launched a vicious attack against a friendly position, his vehicle was surrounded and physically assaulted by hostile troops. Ignoring the dangers involved, he unhesitatingly called fire upon his own position in an attempt to halt the savage assault. He gallantly held his isolated position and continued to deliver deadly accurate fire upon the onrushing enemy troops. His efforts aided immeasurably in repelling the tenacious enemy. Later, despite full knowledge that an enemy attack was impending, he fearlessly volunteered to take his vehicle to the aid of two disabled tanks located on the same strategic position where his vehicle had been assaulted two nights before. Upon arrival at the position, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and courageously dismounted from his tank under a murderous hail of hostile mortar and artillery fire in order to attach towing cables to the disabled vehicles. After he had ground guided the disabled tanks to a position of safety, he moved his tank into firing position and proceeded to deliver devastating fire upon the attacking enemy. When the enemy again surrounded his tank, he regained complete control of the situation and dauntlessly directed friendly artillery and mortar fire as well as flares and other tank fire upon his own position. When the savagely assaulting enemy attempted to climb inside his tank, he exhibited remarkable courage as he opened one of the tank’s hatches and hurled grenades at the hostile troops, thereby dispersing them. Staff Sergeant Gatz’ gallant and courageous actions combined with his indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.