The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Francis H. Fitzpatrick (ASN: 0-417307), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 136th Field Artillery Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 February 1945. While directing the emplacement of a 155-mm. howitzer close to hostile lines in preparation for direct fire against the enemy, First Lieutenant Fitzpatrick and his crew were subjected to accurate small arms fire which forced them to take cover. To accomplish his mission, First Lieutenant Fitzpatrick exposed himself to the Japanese to locate their positions, found it to be a sand bagged strong point, and then laid the un on the target and destroyed it with one accurate round. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Fitzpatrick, 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.