The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert S. Franks, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action on 17 December 1966, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in Quan Hoai Province, Republic of Vietnam. While moving forward to link up with an infantry unit which was heavily engaged with a strong enemy force, Lieutenant Franks’ company was taken under intense enemy automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Franks ran 50 meters through the intense fire to aid a wounded man who was lying only a few feet from an enemy weapon emplacement. With fearless determination, he pulled the injured man to a position of relative safety. Seeing another man lying wounded and exposed to enemy fire, Lieutenant Franks rushed back into the endangered area to rescue his fallen comrade. While dragging the wounded soldier to safety, Lieutenant Franks continued firing with his rifle, killing two of the enemy. Lieutenant Franks unflinching bravery and dedication to his fellow soldiers stands in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.