The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Francis E. Waldo (MCSN: 339246), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Sergeant serving with the Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Fonte River Sector, Guam, Mariana Islands on 25 July 1944. When his platoon leader became a casualty during a heavy night counter attack, Sergeant Waldo immediately assumed command of his unit and began to reorganize the lines and although he received three wounds which paralyzed the lower half of his body and caused frequent lapses of consciousness, tenaciously continued his heroic efforts and succeeded in preventing a threatened break through by the enemy before he succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant Waldo’s forceful leadership, great personal valor and unselfish devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men throughout the extremely perilous night engagement and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.