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 [then Second Lieutenant] Francisco M. Gallardo, Philippine Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding officer, 93d Signal Platoon, attached to the 91st Division, Philippine Army, in action against the enemy near Saysain, Bagac, Bataan, on or about 27 January 1952. He led a detail of 10 men on a special mission along the Bagac-Moron road, ahead of the Main line of Resistance, to recover telephone wire and to evacuate bodies of comrades killed in action. Suddenly enemy aircraft appeared, and dive-bombed the area wounding 2 of his men, After directing the immediate evacuation of the wounded, Lieutenant Gallardo continued on and successfully completed the assigned mission, despite heavy fire delivered against his detail by the enemy. Lieutenant Gallardo’s courageous action, outstanding leadership, and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.