Richard E. Franz

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard E. Franz (42125715), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 18th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 February 1945. Private Franz was a cannoneer of a tank that was disabled by enemy fire, which also wounded the gunner. Under heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire he removed the gunner and assisted him to the shelter of a nearby ditch. There he attempted to administer aid to the wounded man. He then made his way across open terrain under extremely heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire and led medical aid men back to the wounded man. His courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit to himself and the Armed forces of the United States.