The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Francis A. Kennedy (ASN: 0-955656), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 25 September 1951, Lieutenant Kennedy, attached as a Forward Observer for Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry, was proceeding on a contact patrol with the First Platoon near Yaksan-Dong, Korea, when the unit was suddenly subjected to intense enemy fire. Lieutenant Kennedy immediately called for artillery fire on the enemy, but small arms fire from the foe destroyed all communications. As the platoon began withdrawing, Lieutenant Kennedy observed three wounded riflemen lying helpless in an exposed area. Disregarding his personal safety, he courageously advanced and removed two of the men to cover; while returning for the third man, he was painfully wounded; however, with great courage and determination, he carried the wounded man through raking enemy fire to safety. The selfless gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Kennedy reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.