FRANCIS X. POPPER Citation for Silver Star Medal The Commanding General, Eighth Army, in Section 1, General Orders No. 46, 25 May 1946, cites and awards a Silver Star to: Lieutenant Commander FRANCIS X. POPPER, K100024, United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. For gallantry in action on Palawan, Philippine Islands from 8 February 1945 to 13 February 1945. During this period Lieutenant Commander Popper voluntarily participated in an extremely hazardous reconnaissance of enemy-held beaches at Palawan to determine areas suitable for a forthcoming assault landing by American troops. With a small party he departed from Mindoro in a PT boat, ingeniously contacted Filipino guerillas and planned an examination of the beaches. After an unsuccessful initial attempt to land, due to surf and coral reefs, Lieutenant Commander Popper, disregarding the close proximity of approximately 1800 Japanese, reconnoitered several units on the shore and obtained information which proved invaluable to the success of the Palawan invasion. His gallantry, poise, leadership and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds were conspicous and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service. Home address: c/o United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, Washington, D. C. Bronze Star Medal By direction of the President under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, Bulletin 3, kWD, 1944), a Bronze Star Medal is awarded by the Commanding General, United States Army Forces in the Far East, to the following-named officer: Lieutenant FRANCIS X. POPPER, (K 100 024), United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands on 18 December 1944. While proceeding by picket boat from Mangarin Bay to San Agustin, Lieutenant Popper, on duty with an engineer boat and shore regiment, observed a squadron of motor torpedo boats being attacked by an enemy plane. The enemy pilot dived on a boat , hitting it amidship, exploding it in flames, and spreading burning gasoline over the surrounding waters. Lieutenant Popper turned his boat into the burning wreckage, and aided by his crew pulled the wounded survivors from the water. Lieutenant Popper's courageous action in entering the area of combat and executing the rescue is worthy of high commendation. Home address: 113th Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. By command of General MacARTHUR; Richard J. Marshall, Major General, General Staff Corps, Chief of Staff.