The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Cavalry Francis Cornelius Fitzpatrick (ASN: 0-23927), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Executive Officer, 4th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, SEVENTH Corps, in March 1945. Assigned the mission to reconnoiter a road and cut through all enemy resistance encountered, Major Fitzpatrick, upon learning that the leading elements were being stopped by enemy infantry, went to the most forward tank and successfully led the attack. Proceeding with the tanks, he led them along a railroad track in order to bypass a road block. After the rear tank was fired upon by enemy anti-tank fire, the enemy opened fire on the lead tank, killing the driver and the assistant driver and wounding three other members of the crew. Major Fitzpatrick, with utter disregard for the enemy fire all about him and with the help of an officer, removed one member of the tank crew, placed him in safety and then returned to the attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major 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.