Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant (Second-lieutenant)

Unit:

Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

April 29th, 1944

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Francis J. Perras (ASN: 0-1301535), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 29 November 1943, in the vicinity of Cerasuola, Italy. When his platoon was stopped by wire entanglements and heavy fire in an attack, Lieutenant Perras, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, crawled forward under heavy enemy machine gun and grenade fire and cut a path through the entanglements. Then throwing hand grenades, he led his platoon forward through the path he had made and engaged the enemy. The platoon, inspired by their leader, quickly took and held the position. Lieutenant Perras' superb leadership and courage under fire was an inspiration to his men and a distinct credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awarded posthumously.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 31 (29 April 1944).