World War II Honoree

Francis J. Wayte

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Bayonne, New Jersey

Honored By

Grateful American

Relationship

Admirer

IN DECEMBER OF 1944, FRANCIS DIED ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE OFFENSIVE IN THE ARDENNES FOREST OF BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG IN THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. HE EXCHANGED MACHINE GUN FIRE WITH THE GERMANS TO SAVE HIS SOLDIERS AFTER THEY WERE TRAPPED IN THE OPEN. HIS WIFE HELEN RECEIVED HIS POSTHUMOUS CITATION, AWARDING HIM A SILVER STAR FOR BRAVERY.