SECOND LIEUTENANT FRANCIS J. McGOVERN,
United States Army
For gallantry in action:
Second Lieutenant Francis J. McGovern, Infantry, Company I,
9th Infantry Division, is awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on 10 February
1951 in the vicinity of Kumwang-ni, Korea. On that date his company jumped off in an
attack to seize Hill 442. After advancing approximately 300 yards, the company was
halted by intense mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Completely ignoring
a wound which he received at this time Lieutenant McGovern, with forceful leadership,
reorganized his platoon and resumed the assault. Inspired by his heroic conduct and
absolute fearlessness, the platoon followed him in a fierce charge upon the hostile
positions. During this attack, he was wounded a second time. The gallantry and
inspiraitonal leadership displayed by Lieutenant McGovern reflect great credit upon him
and the military service.
