The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kenneth Roger Franco, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Section Leader with E Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 22 March 2003, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Franco’s 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, his unit, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
As the Senior Scout in First Platoon, Staff Sergeant Kenneth Franco was tasked with the difficult mission of being the lead element for not only the Brigade Reconnaissance Troop, but the 2d Brigade Combat Team, the 3d Infantry Division and V Corps. While in this position, Staff Sergeant Franco valorously faced many extremely difficult situations only to persevere and overcome them with unfaltering courage. The first of these situations was evident during the reconnaissance of Axis Sixers. While determining the trafficability of Axis Sisters Staff Sergeant Franco led elements of his platoon more than forty kilometers in Front of Task Force Heavy Metal or any other friendly unit. As the lead element of the Division, Staff Sergeant Franco reconnoitered the route to Objective RAMS and came into contact with a much larger enemy force. Staff Sergeant Franco identified the enemy force, directed platoon fires not only to the front but also on an enemy trying to envelop the Troop’s flank while making accurate and timely recommendations for the movement of the 2d Brigade Combat Team (2d BCT). Subsequently elements of the Brigade Combat Team continued to engage these forces until early morning hours of the following day. These actions prevented Echo Troop from becoming enveloped and decisively engaged by an enemy ambush and allowed the Brigade Combat Team to successfully destroy the Fedayeen Forces in its first engagement. The Reconnaissance of Route VENEZUELA and Route COLUMBIA exemplifies Staff Sergeant Franco’s valor as well as his ability to lead under enemy fire. Again, Staff Sergeant Franco led the BCT while trying to recon a route to Attack Position WAYNE. The Troop was engaged by considerable RPG, mortar and small arms fire on two separate instances. On both instances while in contact with a superior force, Staff Sergeant Franco accurately identified the enemy and directed platoon fires allowing the Troop to successfully break contact saving the lives of over 60 U.S. Soldiers. Staff Sergeant Franco without question or complaint has been the lead element for much of 2d Brigade Combat Team’s movement throughout Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He has courageously and fearlessly led Echo Troop three instances of heavy enemy contact resulting only in one wounded in action and has greatly contributed to the success of the Spartan Brigade and the fall of the Iraqi Regime.