The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Francis Z. Zerbe (ASN: RA-12339638), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Heavy Tank Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 9 February 1951, near Seoul, Korea, Corporal Zerbe was supporting the 1st Battalion in an attack when his tank came under incessant enemy small arms and mortar fire. Corporal Zerbe, totally disregarding his personal safety, exposed himself to this enemy fire in order to obtain additional machine gun ammunition from the side and front slope plate of his tank. On one occasion he was unable to place effective fire on the enemy who occupied high ground on the right flank in the proximity of twenty to forty yards. Fearlessly he opened the hatch and standing on the driver’s seat, fired his pistol at the enemy, wounding one and causing the other to seek cover. He also dismounted from his tank while under enemy fire in order to rescue and remove several helpless wounded soldiers. The gallantry under fire displayed by Corporal Zerbe reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.