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) Francis J. Bolger (ASN: 0-1310936), United States Army, for gallantry in action for the period 6 to 9 June 1944, near ****, France. First Lieutenant Bolger, a platoon leader, Company D, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, led his platoon with much courage and aggressiveness and was able to assist in seizing and defending an important position during the initial stages of the invasion of the continent. On the morning of D-Day, following a parachute drop in ****, First Lieutenant Bolger assembled his platoon but was unable to contact his own organization. He joined a small force of parachute troops engaged in cleaning the enemy from the town of ****, and assisted in driving the enemy from most of the town and blocked the causeway. First Lieutenant Bolger directed his platoon in an attack upon this position, and by personal daring was able to lead an attack which destroyed the enemy defending the bridge. He established a defense and neutralized enemy positions dug in along the causeway. Repeated counterattacks by the enemy to retake the crossing were repulsed. During on engagement First Lieutenant Bolger was wounded in the leg but continued to direct the defense of his position. Supporting forces driving west from the beaches were permitted uninterrupted crossing of the Merderet River, largely as a result of First Lieutenant Bolger’s determined efforts in the defense of this position. 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.