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 Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Francis McDonald Oliver (ASN: 0-20268), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 106th Infantry Division, in action on 9 August 1944 in the vicinity of Sille Le Guillaume, France. Lieutenant Colonel Oliver, understanding the situation and realizing that his troops must find a bypass in order to get around the road blocks and mine fields if they were to reach the objective, went forward in a one-fourth ton truck to make a personal reconnaissance. After making his reconnaissance he decided to attempt to reach the troop of the adjacent squadron on the south and penetrate the enemy ring from that direction. He again went forward, this time to contact the leading elements of the adjacent squadron, and in so doing, ran into an enemy road block and mine fields south of the town. Lieutenant Colonel Oliver then retraced his route until he contacted some of his attached engineers, which he personally led forward to the road block and mine fields, for the purpose of removing them. While leading the engineers forward, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Oliver’s courage, inspiring leadership and great devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.