The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William J. Franks (ASN: RA-10990421), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Franks’ platoon was suddenly brought under a tremendous volume of enemy fire from an estimated company size element in fortified positions. As the platoon moved forward in the assault, Private Franks observed an enemy machine gun position to his front that was placing murderous fire on an element of his platoon. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Private Franks exposed himself to the enemy fire and began firing his weapon into the enemy position. Realizing that his fire was not effective and that he must act quickly, Private Franks jumped up and charged the enemy position, firing as he ran. When Private Franks was approximately twenty meters from the enemy machine gun he was struck by an enemy bullet and knocked to the ground. Getting on his feet Private Franks continued to assault the enemy position until he was struck by another enemy bullet and mortally wounded. As a result of Private Franks’ courageous actions the enemy position was destroyed and many lives were saved. Private Franks’ outstanding gallantry in action and his avid devotion to duty even at the cost of his life are within the highest military traditions and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.