The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Robert Connie Franklin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Limon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 19 December 1944. An enemy machinegun had held up the advance of the rifle platoon of which Private Franklin was a member. After repeated attempts to knock out the Japanese position had failed, Private Franklin volunteered to make a lone assault. Crawling forward with his M-1 rifle, he reached a point 15 yards from the machinegun, took careful aim, and killed both of the enemy gunners. Eight Japanese riflemen posted to protect the machinegun fired at Private Franklin. He raced forward, seized the enemy machinegun, and calmly and accurately killed all of the enemy riflemen. Thanks to Private Franklin’s voluntary and gallant action the platoon moved forward and the objective was taken without friendly casualties. Private Franklin’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.