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 Corporal Franklin P. Gilliland (ASN: 35016684), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Ferme Combier, Algeria, 10 November 1942. During the Oran Offensive, while Corporal Gilliland was riding down a narrow, tortuous mountain road in a self-propelled 75-mm. howitzer, a shell exploded directly in front of him forcing his vehicle off the road. In the overturning of the vehicle, a box of ammunition fell upon a man who had previously been wounded. Corporal Gilliland, heedless of personal danger, extricated his comrade from under the box of ammunition, and before he could get to a position of cover was shot by a sniper and instantly killed. 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.