World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
Donald Francis
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Old Town, Maine
Honored By
Gary T. Staffo
SERVED WITH THE 24TH INFANTRY DIVISION, 21ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, HEADQUARTERS CANNON COMPANY AS A GUNNER/LOADER FOR A SELF-PROPELLED 75MM HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE MOUNT M-8. SERVED IN PACIFIC THEATRE CAMPAIGNS IN NEW GUINEA, LUZON AND SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES. KILLED IN ACTION SUPPORTING THE 11TH AIRBORNE DIVISION AT PARANAQUE, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS WHEN AFTER TAKING OUT ENEMY CONCRETE REINFORCED NAVAL GUN POSITIONS AT THE GENKO LINE GUARDING THE APPROACHES TO MANILA AND NICHOLS FIELD, HIS M-8 HIT AN AERIAL BOMB PLANTED IN THE ROAD AS A MINE. AWARDS INCLUDE THE BRONZE STAR AND PURPLE HEART MEDAL.