The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Francis J. Farrell (ASN: 32172254), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 February 1945. When the advance of his company was halted by heavy enemy mortar and rifle fire, which caused many casualties, Private Farrell volunteered to assist in the evacuation of the injured. Exposing himself repeatedly to intense fire, while crawling over the rubble and wreckage of demolished buildings, he helped move five seriously wounded men to positions of safety. The casualties had to be carried 200 yards to an aid station. Returning for the sixth time, Private Farrell had just reached the side of another wounded man when he was struck and instantly killed by fragments from a bursting enemy mortar shell. His courage and devotion to duty saved the lives of five injured comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.