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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 Captain (Infantry) Frank W. Gardner (ASN: 0-1298382), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, from 8 to 10 November 1944. On the night of 8 November, Captain Gardner, Commanding Officer of Company B, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, personally led his company in a drive to clear the enemy from positions along a railroad southeast of ****. So skillfully did he direct the fire and movement of his troops that the enemy was routed from strongly dug-in positions and an 88-mm. gun was captured before its crew could fire a shot. About dusk on 10 November, the enemy counterattacked sharply and one group with two machine guns broke through the right flank and attacked the 1st Battalion command post. Captain Gardner was the first in the area to become cognizant of the threat and, with complete disregard for personal safety, exposed himself to the attacking enemy and attempted to warn the occupants of the command post. His actions brought heavy machine gun and rifle fire upon him, resulting in his death. By drawing enemy fire, Captain Gardner provided the necessary warning which otherwise would not have come until the enemy opened fire upon the battalion commander and his staff. Captain Gardner’s gallant leadership was a source of inspiration to the troops under his command. His heroic self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon his character as an officer and upon the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    320th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 10 – 11, 1944
    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 34 (September 19, 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 W. Gardner (ASN: 0-1298382), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 10 – 11 August 1944. Lieutenant Gardner, commanding Company B, 1st Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, led his troops in an attack, on tanks, against Hill Number 317 in the face of direct fire from enemy anti-tank guns the afternoon of 10 August. He succeeded in reaching the hillside that evening, then attached his unit to another company of riflemen and established joint defensive positions. This position was isolated from the remainder of the battalion for approximately thirty hours, during which time five sharp enemy counterattacks, supported by tanks, were successfully repulsed. Although twice wounded, Lieutenant Gardner remained in active command until the morning of 12 August, when the severity of his wounds necessitated his evacuation. His dynamic leadership, resourcefulness, and disregard for personal safety in establishing and holding the forward position against strong enemy opposition, was largely responsible for the successful assault on Hill Number 317 by his battalion on 12 August. 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.