The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] Francis M. Abbott (ASN: RA-33344637), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 31 December 1950 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On that date he was a squad leader of an infantry unit which had the mission of breaking an enemy roadblock near Wonju. As the unit advanced to make contact with the enemy it was subjected to heavy fire from positions in a small village. Immediately, Sergeant Abbott moved into a position from where he could better direct the fire of his squad. Realizing that high ground must be secured in order to clear the roadblock when the squad was subjected to heavy enemy fire from the overlooking peak, Sergeant Abbott ordered his squad to withdraw. Without hesitation he personally moved to the right flank of the enemy positions and with grenade and rifle fire killed four of the enemy, thus allowing his squad to advance and secure its objective. The gallant conduct of Sergeant Abbott reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.