The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Francis E. Carlson (ASN: 0-460409), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 276th Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 24 March 1945, in Germany. When a strong enemy force, preceded by SP guns, attacked and seized the north end of the town near the artillery Observation Post, enemy SP gun and small arms fire cut necessary artillery communications. Realizing the need for artillery support to repulse the enemy, Lieutenant Carlson left the safety of the Observation Post, crawled out into the withering enemy fire and aided in repairing several breaks in the line. He then returned to the Observation Post, and succeeded in forcing a withdrawal. In this action he displayed the highest type of courage and devotion to duty and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States.

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 E. Carlson (ASN: 0-460409), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 276th Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 1 May 1945, in Austria. When the infantry assault unit to which he was assigned as Artillery Forward Observer was pinned down by enemy small arms fire from a high, wooded area, capture of which was necessary prelude to assault on Diendorf, Lieutenant Carlson courageously and unhesitatingly crawled some 100 yards Across an open space which was under heavy automatic weapons fire, dragging a radio remote control line. Reaching the comparative shelter where the pinned down troops were, he adjusted effective fire of his battalion on troops and guns in the woods 300 yards away. Many enemy personnel were destroyed, the others forced to flee, and the way was cleared for capture of the high ground and the village. Lieutenant Carlson’s actions were a display of bravery and devotion to duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.