- SURNAME
Dawson
- FORENAME
Francis Walwin (Bull)
- UNIT
5 Ranger Bn (Company D)
- RANK
First Lieutenant
- NUMBER
0-400036
- AWARD
Distinguished Service Cross
- PLACE
Normandy 1944
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 23.3.1919, Branchville, South Carolina, USA
father Josiah Beaueguard Dawson
mother Alma R. Dawson
16.10.1940 draft card Richland, South Carolina
served Korea and Vietnam
01.11.1968 retired as Colonel
Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star x 3, Legion of Merit, Air Medal
wife Joyce L. Dawson (1927-1986)
daughter Brenda
1992 Ranger Hall of Fame
died 18.10.1997 (Aged 78)
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, USA. Section 69 Site 4390
CITATION:
Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Francis W. Dawson (ASN: 0-400036), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Dawson led his Ranger Platoon ashore in the invasion of France against heavy enemy artillery, machine gun, and small arms fire. He then personally took charge of the breaching of wire entanglements. When a gap was created, he led his platoon through it and directed them in scaling a 100-foot cliff. Upon reaching the top of the cliff, he, accompanied by one soldier, rushed forward with a submachine gun and destroyed a German pill box, killing or capturing the enemy located therein. First Lieutenant Dawson's aggressive leadership, personal courage and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/22034FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44116066/francis-walwin-dawson
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