The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade John Francis, III (ASN: 11064080), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 70th Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. Corporal Francis, a member of a tank crew, dismounted from his tank in the face of tremendous enemy artillery, anti-tank, and small arms fire and assisted in destroying an enemy anti-tank gun crew and a field artillery piece as well as capturing forty prisoners. When a comrade was severely wounded in this action, Corporal Francis assisted in carrying him to a place of safety. His 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 and the United States Army.