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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Lucian France Wilkins (ASN: 0-2055131), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 December 1943, near Casale, Italy. Second Lieutenant Wilkins led his rifle platoon in an aggressive attack on two enemy machine gun emplacements, situated on high ground and succeeded in destroying both. When the heavy crossfire of several machine guns caused a number of casualties in his platoon and halted its advance, Second Lieutenant Wilkins crawled through the machine gun fire to report the situation to his company commander. He pointed out the exact location of the enemy resistance, and was returning to his platoon when killed by mortar fire. The information which he gave to his company commander brought supporting fire on the enemy resistance and enabled the company to capture its objective. Second Lieutenant Wilkins’ courage and devotion to duty are exemplary of the high traditions of the Army of the United States.