Navy Federal Credit Union

Francis McGovern in buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his brother Robert McGovern, who received a Posthumous Medal of Honor for his actions on January 30, 1951.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 10, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 114 (May 21, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Francis Jerome McGovern (ASN: 0-1913465), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 10 February 1951 in the vicinity of Kumwang-ni, Korea. On that date Second Lieutenant McGovern’s company jumped off in an attack to seize Hill 442. After advancing approximately 300 yards, the company was halted by intense mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Completely ignoring a wound which he received at this time Lieutenant McGovern, with forceful leadership, reorganized his platoon and resumed the assault. Inspired by his heroic conduct and absolute fearlessness, the platoon followed him in a fierce charge upon the hostile positions. During this attack, he was wounded a second time. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed by Lieutenant McGovern reflect great credit upon him and the military service.