Col. Dawson served with honor during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was with the 5th Ranger Bn at Normandy and was wounded during the Metz Campaign. He retired from the Army Nov. 1, 1968. He was an inaugural inductee in the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (2), Ranger Tab, and Master Parachutist Badge.
Thanks to BarryC for the following: 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 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.
Thanks to BarryC for the following: 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 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.
Col. Dawson served with honor during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was with the 5th Ranger Bn at Normandy and was wounded during the Metz Campaign. He retired from the Army Nov. 1, 1968. He was an inaugural inductee in the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (2), Ranger Tab, and Master Parachutist Badge.
Thanks to BarryC for the following: 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 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.
Thanks to BarryC for the following: 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 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.
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