The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Francis Patrick Briody (ASN: 12147842), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, on 6 June 1943. As the units of the 18th Infantry were landing on the beach in the vicinity of St. Laurent, France, Private Briody came ashore as a passenger in a 1/4 ton vehicle loaded with valuable communication equipment. As they landed, during a heavy barrage of artillery and small arms fire, the driver of the vehicle was wounded, and Private Briody, doing everything in his power to save the valuable equipment, moved to the driver’s seat, but found that the truck was stalled in the sand of the beach. Then, with utter disregard for his own safety, and in the face of fierce enemy fire of all kinds, he got out of the truck and attempted to free the wheels. After working diligently for some time he realized that his efforts were in vain and decided to wait until later that night when conditions would possibly be more favorable. He then dug in on the beach and began his wait. About 2130 hours he left his protected position, again exposing himself to enemy fire, to make another attempt at salvaging the stranded vehicle. An he neared the truck an enemy artillery shell struck an LCT moored nearby and the explosion killed Private Briody. His refusal to abandon valuable and much needed equipment, a gallant act which resulted in the loss of his own life, reflects the finest traditions of the service and merits highest praise.