Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Francis J. Camerini (ASN: 33621708), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 702d Tank Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 14 March 1945 in Germany. During an attack on Scheidan, Germany, on 14 March 1945, the tank in which Technician Fourth Grade Camerini served as driver was hit by two shells from an enemy tank, setting fire to his tank and wounding him. Despite his wounds and the fierce battle he was engaged in Technician Fourth Grade Camerini drove his tank to a position from which the gunner destroyed the enemy tank. While firing at the enemy Technician Fourth Grade Camerini unsuccessfully attempted to put out the fire which finally forced the crew to abandon their tank. Technician Fourth Grade Camerini’s courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty enabled his tank to overcome the enemy resistance despite great handicaps and was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fourth Grade

    Batallion:

    702d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 3, 1945
    Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 135 (May 24, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Technician Fourth Grade Francis J. Camerini (ASN: 33621708), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States while serving with Company A, 702d Tank Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in Luxembourg on 3 February 1945. On that date, a fire accidentally broke out in a large gasoline supply point located in Reuland, Luxembourg. Technician Fourth Grade Camerini, a tank driver, perceiving the danger to the community and possible loss of vital supplies to the Army joined a party in moving the burning cans of gasoline from the rest of the supply. By completely disregarding the dangers of their task and by working swiftly Technician Fourth Grade Camerini and others of the detail saved many lives and much valuably property. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.