The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Franklin H. Spencer (ASN: 33001486), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 July 1943, five miles north of *** ** ***, Sicily. Technician Fourth Grade Spencer, with a small group of men, attacked an enemy pillbox at the base of a hill. Advancing to their objective under heavy fire from enemy automatic weapons and across open terrain. When the enemy counter-attacked, he covered the withdrawal of his men to a tenable position. For the greater part of this action, he was without cover or concealment and acted with remarkable coolness and with utter disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.