FRANCIS, Damon W. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Staff Sgt. Damon W. Francis who died in a hospital in the Philippine Islands May 19, 1945 following a brief illness has just been awarded the Bronze star, posthumously for heroism in action on Cabello Island. The award is made at the direction of Major Gen. M. C. Chase, commanding officer of the famous 38th Division now on Luzon. Staff Sgt. Francis was the first man in Co E, Darlington unit of the 151st Infantry, 38th Division to lose his life overseas in WWII. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, the citation reads, Sgt. Francis personally directed and led ammunition bearers through mine fields and through the heavy sniper and machine gun fire that was being delivered on the company from cleverly concealed and dug-in Jap positions. Through his courageous efforts, the company was able to maintain a heavy volume of fir eon enemy positions and continue its advance. On the second day the company advanced to Hill Two, a precipitous cliff rising 300' above the bay. The unit had been without water and rations for over 36 hours and the situation was becoming so acute that it threated to hold up the advance. With untiring energy, Sgt. Francis obtained the much-needed supplies, loaded them on landing craft and directed his party by water to a point on the north side of the island, where the supplied were unloaded and carried up the precipitous cliff by means of a rope. Due to the zeal and courageous efforts of Sgt. Francis, the nearly exhausted company received rations and water and were able to accomplish their mission.