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 Technician Fifth Grade Francis W. Primeau (ASN: 36251273), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Battery A, *** Field Artillery Battalion, 95th Infantry Division, on 18 November 1944, in the vicinity of Metz, France. Technician Fifth Grade Primeau was a Radio Operator with the Artillery Forward Observer Team Attached to the 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, on 18 November 1944. In driving toward Metz, this Battalion attempted to by-pass Fort St. Julien but was arrested by German mortar, machine gun and sniper fire. To contact friendly artillery and reduce the German resistance, Technician Fifth Grade Primeau crawled under the shelling to a foxhole from which he could observe the German mortar observation post. The foxhole held a good deal of water and to protect his radio Technician Fifth Grade Primeau crawled out to pick up material for a temporary platform. German snipers fired on him but he calmly picked up enough wood to improvise a radio stand. Then, he established communication with his Field Artillery Battalion Fire Direction Center and kept in communication while his Battalion’s shells demolished the German mortar observation post. Technician Fifth Grade Primeau remained at his perilous station, directing further artillery support for the Infantry Battalion until 1400 that afternoon when, still performing his duty in a boldly superior manner, he was killed in action. His heroic devotion to duty and great technical skill reflect lasting honor upon him and upon the military service.