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 Francis J. Publik (ASN: RA-13316043), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 3d Antiaircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 10 May 1951, near Putodong, Korea, Sergeant Publik was in charge of an M-19 personnel carrier with the mission of maintaining a blocking position in a valley while an infantry platoon patrolled a nearby ridge. The enemy soon opened fire from a well-entrenched defilade position which rendered the vehicle’s counterfire ineffective. Sergeant Publik then, accompanied by two companions, left the protection of the armored carrier and proceeding on foot, he circled to the rear of the hostile emplacement. Calling on the foe to surrender, he received an answering burst of fire, which he fell to the ground to avoid. At this, Sergeant Publik boldly advanced on the emplacement and hurling a hand grenade, he completely destroyed it an all occupying personnel. This courageous removal of a dangerous obstacle in the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission and the extreme gallantry with which the act was performed reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Publik and the military service.