The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Francis L. McDermott (ASN: 0-1015749), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 7 September 1944 in France. On the evening of 7 September, Captain McDermott moved his tank to the edge of a moat surrounding a heavily fortified enemy position and in order to prevent the Germans from obtaining higher positions in the fortification, he placed upon it a continuous fire of 75-mm. shells. Because of a faulty mechanism, it was necessary for Captain McDermott to get out of the turret each time the gun was being loaded, thereby exposing him to constant enemy fire. Frequently he dismounted from his tank to personally encourage the advancing troops. Although wounded three times during this engagement, Captain McDermott remained for two hours under constant enemy fire to safeguard the withdrawal of infantry troops. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain McDermott were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.