The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Francis E. Murphy (ASN: 0-0359849), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, Division Artillery, 84th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany on 1 December 1944. While performing duty with the 326th Field Artillery Battalion and serving as a field artillery liaison officer with an infantry battalion at a time when heavy casualties among infantry officers had made control difficult, Captain Murphy, without regard for his personal safety, in addition to directing effective artillery fire on enemy installations, assisted the infantry unit by personally contacting its company officers in front line positions. The invaluable services, initiative and courage displayed by Captain Murphy were vital factors in the further advance of the battalion and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.