The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) Francis J. Cronin, Jr. (ASN: 0-1044790), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Battery D, 82d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion (SP), 2d Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Hongchon, Korea, during the period 16 May to 29 May 1951. During that period, Lieutenant Cronin initiated and maintained a communications system from his firing vehicles to his Command Post and to units he was supporting and to higher headquarters. He personally placed each vehicle so that its primary mission could be accomplished, while at the same time each vehicle could be an important part of the radio net. He visited each vehicle on the main line of resistance time and again although it meant braving heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, and traveling many hours on the road to reach the vehicles to check on the welfare of the men and to coordinate the operation of the radio net. His action resulted in all units at all times knowing the developments as soon as they occurred in each sector. Due to this ready data, the field artillery knew of targets as soon as they appeared and the infantry knew where concentrations were building up so that countermeasures could be taken. The above actions aided materially in the halting of the enemy’s third spring offensive. First Lieutenant Cronin’s gallant actions and selfless 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, his unit, and the United States Army.