The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Franklin Wofford Denius (ASN: 38480234), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 230th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 17 July 1944. Staff Sergeant Denius was an observer with the 2d Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, advancing with an infantry unit. To complete their mission, it was necessary to move some distance in advance of the leading infantry elements. During the adjustment of fire, the officer in charge of the observing party was killed by enemy machine gun fire. Private First Class Denius, although having had no previous experience in observing fire, completed the mission by accurately adjusting the fire of his artillery unit. The initiative and perseverance shown by Private Denius to carry out his mission, at the risk of his life, are highly exemplary and reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
230th Field Artillery BattalionDivision:
30th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
August 6 – 12, 1944
“Work Horse of the Western Front – The Story of the 30th Infantry Division” By Robert L. Hewitt(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Franklin Wofford Denius (ASN: 38480234), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 230th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France from 6 to 12 August 1944. Staff Sergeant Denius directed artillery fire during an attack by paratroopers on Nazi patrols during the battle for Mortain. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
230th Field Artillery BattalionDivision:
30th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 1944
“Work Horse of the Western Front – The Story of the 30th Infantry Division” By Robert L. Hewitt(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Franklin Wofford Denius (ASN: 38480234), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 230th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the attack on Malmedy, France, in 1944. Staff Sergeant Denius remained in a house under heavy fire from the Germans to observe and direct artillery fire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.