The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Franklin W. McDonald (MCSN: 912325), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Fifth Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Fifth Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during assault operations against enemy Japanese-held Saipan Island in the Marianas on 15 June 1944. Undaunted by the terrific opposition encountered while moving his tractor in on the beach during landing operations on D-Day, Private First Class McDonald advanced indomitably under the powerful barrage of shattering mortar fire from concealed Japanese weapons. Although mortally wounded when the enemy scored a direct his on his vehicle, he continued to push relentlessly forward and succeeded in reaching the beach before he collapsed and was evacuated to a hospital ship offshore where he ultimately succumbed to his wounds. His determined aggressiveness, unyielding fortitude and valiant devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class McDonald and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.