The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Francis Anthony Ballouz (NSN: 5527017), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Flight Deck Corpsman aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), on 25 November 1944, off the coast of the Philippine Islands. During the height of the attack, when this vessel was being strafed and dived upon by enemy aircraft, with utter disregard for his own safety he continued to expose himself, administering first aid treatment to the wounded. Fires and damage around him did not deter him from skillful performance of his duty. While so doing, he was seriously injured by an exploding enemy bomb. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.