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 (Infantry) Francis Edward Schwabe, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry In action. Captain Schwabe distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 26 May 1972, while serving as Deputy District Senior Advisor on a combat operation with the 12th Regional Force Group in Duc Hue District, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the 12th Group moved to link up with a friendly unit, it was ambushed by an entrenched company-size enemy force armed with B-40s, automatic weapons, and a 61-mm. mortar. Captain Schwabe was wounded and knocked unconscious by the first B-40 round. However, upon regaining consciousness, he moved swiftly to reorganize the bewildered friendly forces and deployed them to effectively return the enemy fire. Fighting from distances of only 20 meters, he moved from point to point directing fire, adjusting artillery, gathering the wounded, all while steadfastly refusing to halt for the medical assistance his own wounds needed. When he had successfully curbed the ambush fire, he led a small group back into the killing zone of the ambush to retrieve the body of another advisor. He did so in complete disregard for his own safety, ignoring the hail of fire his heroic actions drew. After successfully accomplishing this task, he then called in airstrikes and managed to withdraw the entire force, leaving none behind, before darkness entrapped them. His remarkable courage and calm leadership while wounded and under fire were truly exemplary. Captain Schwabe’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.