Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank David Derouin (ASN: 0-26285), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 13 November 1944. Lieutenant Derouin, a platoon leader, was wounded by sniper fire as he led his platoon through an orchard on the outskirts of the village of *** against stubborn enemy resistance. Disregarding his wounds, he continued forward at the head of his men, directing their fire and movement, when he was struck two more times by enemy fire. Despite the fact that he was mortally wounded and unable to advance, he continued to shout orders and words of encouragement to his men who, inspired by the gallantry of their leader, pressed forward to seize the platoon objective. Lieutenant Derouin’s intrepidity and dynamic leadership reflect credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    134th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 22, 1944

    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 38 (September 29, 1944)

    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 (Infantry) Frank David Derouin (ASN: 0-26285), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, 22 August 1944. On his first day of leadership under enemy fire, Lieutenant Derouin was given the assignment of leading a combat patrol into the city of **** with the mission of determining if the hospital therein was used as enemy headquarters, and to capture a German general supposedly there. Almost immediately, the patrol encountered enemy resistance, but Lieutenant Derouin went forward with a radio man, and although under enemy fire, directed his artillery fire so accurately, that the enemy was killed or dispersed. Continuing to advance with his men, Lieutenant Derouin and the patrol were pinned down by enemy machine gun fire, but by maintaining a calm disposition and complete control of his group, he was enabled to remove them to the cover of nearby woods. By proving himself an encouraging and inspiring leader, the members of his patrol advanced with him into the city, captured two German officers and three enlisted men en route, and succeeded in locating the hospital, although no German general was found there. The leadership, devotion to duty and zeal for the accomplishment of his mission, reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Derouin and the military service.