The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Franklin S. Hartman (ASN: 33801291), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 August 1944, in France. Noticing an enemy machine gun squad of six men attempting to infiltrate friendly lines and set up their weapon to deliver grazing fire on a sunken road along which his comrades were emplaced. Private First Class Hartman gallantly allowed the squad to approach to within fifteen yards of his position before he opened fire with his automatic rifle. By his courageous action, he killed four of the enemy and dispersed the other two, thus preventing numerous casualties among his comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Hartman, 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.