The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Thomas A. Franckowiak (ASN: 36550002), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 17 April 1945, Sergeant Franckowiak opened fire with a heavy machine gun on a strong force of Germans, supported by 88-mm., machine gun and SP fire, which attacked towards a road junction he was protecting near Erlangen, Germany. When his fire drove the enemy back to a woods 500 yards away, about 200 Germans regrouped and counter-attacked again. Despite shells bursting less than a yard away, Sergeant Franckowiak killed and wounded many of the enemy and broke up the counter-attack. He then turned his weapon over to an assistant, located a friendly tank, and directed its fire with such effectiveness that enemy preparations for a third thrust were completely smashed. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.