The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Glen Abbot Francis (MCSN: 2148555), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 7 September 1967, Private First Class Francis was leading his squad as the point element on a platoon size search and destroy mission near the hamlet of Thuy Bo II in Quang Nam Province when he observed seven to ten Viet Cong soldiers who immediately opened fire on his squad, temporarily pinning it down and wounding him in the leg. Refusing medical attention, he displayed exceptional fortitude and tactical skill as he directed fire against the enemy and began to maneuver his men toward a trench close to the Viet Cong position. In the fire fight that ensued, one of his men was seriously wounded. Unhesitatingly, Private First Class Francis ran to the side of the stricken Marine to administer first aid, but observing the serious nature of the man’s wound, he decided to bring a corpsman to the forward position to give medical treatment. With complete disregard for his own safety and the pain of his wound, he moved back through the fire swept zone to summon a corpsman. Shielding the corpsman with his own body and providing covering rifle fire, Private First Class Francis returned through the hazardous area to the trench. Despite the emotional shock of learning that the wounded Marine had died and the increasing pain of his own wound, he steadfastly fought on, directing the fire of his men until he sustained a serious head wound which forced his evacuation. His exemplary leadership, dauntless courage in the face of intense hostile fire and selfless concern for his fellow Marines inspired all who served with him. Private First Class Francis’ bold initiative, fearless action and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.