The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Francis R. Schlesinger (MCSN: 0-8167), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 December 1950. With his unit assigned to guard the rear elements of the battalion column while in convoy, Major Schlesinger fearlessly braved heavy and accurate fire from well-entrenched hostile positions on both sides of the road to advance to the forward part of the column. Observing that enemy fire concentrated on the battalion was inflicting many casualties, he quickly organized and directed an evacuation team and, despite hostile mortar, machine gun and sniper fire, succeeded in evacuating all the wounded before rejoining the convoy. By his skilled leadership, indomitable courage and inspiring devotion to duty, Major Schlesinger materially aided the casualties in receiving medical attention much sooner than would otherwise have been possible, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.