The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Franklin H. Cunningham (MCSN: 350416), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division operating on Cape Gloucester, New Britain during the early morning darkness of 3 January 1944. Proceeding over steep muddy terrain and through heavy hostile fire, Private First Class Cunningham carried urgently needed ammunition to the troops in a critical area continually exposed to intense enemy fire. Although he was painfully wounded by shrapnel in the chest and arm, he fearlessly continued to perform his important duties until our position was made secure and the enemy repulsed with important losses. Private First Class Cunningham’s valiant conduct and courageous devotion to duty under perilous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.