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 Captain (Corps of Engineers) Jay Clifford Franz (ASN: 0-87119), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Franz distinguished himself on 13 January 1966 while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 1st Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Franz’s company was assigned the mission of clearing a vital road over which a supply convoy would travel. At approximately 1800 hours, Captain Franz accompanied one platoon from his company to the operational site. As the platoon approached a road block, hostile fire was received from both sides of the road. As his men took cover in the road ditches, Captain Franz exposed himself by walking up and down the road encouraging and directing the return fire of his men. When the hostile fire ceased, he directed his men to continue their mission. Several minutes later, the Viet Cong again opened fire from both sides of the road. Although his vehicle was in an exposed position, Captain Franz dashed to his radio and requested armed helicopter support. Until the hostile fire ceased, he remained at the radio and calmly directed the helicopter attacks. Again Captain Franz directed the platoon to continue its mission. As the mission was completed and the platoon prepared to return, a Viet Cong force estimated at company strength struck from both sides of the road. Captain Franz again exposed himself at his radio and requested armed helicopter support. He then moved among his men, directing their fire and inspiring them by his courageous example. As the volume of hostile fire increased, two men were wounded. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Franz ran into the open, assisted the wounded men, and quickly loaded them into his vehicle. Returning to the battlefield, Captain Franz continued to encourage and direct the fires of his men. During the course of action, he was severely wounded and became unconscious while directing air attacks. Captain Franz’s actions during the three hour battle were a source of inspiration to his men, and enabled them to successfully accomplish their mission. His unimpeachable valor in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.