The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Francis T. O’Brien (ASN: 36373907), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 26 April 1945, Private First Class O’Brien and two other soldiers alone held a house in Rischgau, Germany, against the onslaught of thirty-five enemy soldiers. From 0500 hours to 0730 hours they fought with the Germans, ranging from a few feet to 125 yards away. Despite enemy rifle, machine gun and Panzerfaust fire, Private First Class O’Brien and the two other soldiers succeeded in killing at least two of the enemy, capturing nineteen, and securing their sector of the town. 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.