The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lance Corporal Joseph Arthur Francis, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. On 10 August 1967, during Operation RUSH, Lance Corporal Francis was serving as Point Man on a search and destroy mission near Phu Bai when he observed a position from which the Viet Cong had previously ambushed his unit. Realizing the possibility of another surprise attack, he unhesitatingly maneuvered forward to reconnoiter the area and, as he neared the site, discovered that enemy soldiers were occupying the position. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Francis immediately opened fire on the enemy force. Although constantly exposed to hostile fire and subsequently wounded by enemy hand grenade fragments, he courageously continued to deliver a heavy volume of fire on the enemy, thus allowing his unit to break contact and reorganize. Only after his supply of ammunition was depleted, did he withdraw to a place of relative safety. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing numerous Marine casualties. Lance Corporal Francis’ courage, exceptional professionalism and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lance Corporal Francis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)