Frank S. Zera’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

CORPORAL Frank S. Zera,

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Tank-Infantry Liasion Man, serving with Company A, Sixth Tank Battalion, Sixth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 21 May 1945. Blown to the ground by an exploding enemy artillery shell as he was moving into position on a shelf-like ridge south of Sugar Loaf Hill, Corporal Zera quickly recovered his radio and proceeded to his station. Again interrupted when he and other members of the team were buried with mud from another bursting shell while they were attempting to set up the radio, he dug himself and radio out and, despite continued artillery bursts from all directions, worked desperately to prepare the radio for operation until he was mortally wounded by a Japanese shell. By his perseverance in this vital task, Corporal Zera effected the rapid communication of accurate orders to the tanks, thus enabling them to maneuver into position and destroy hostile mortars and automatic weapons. His devotion to duty and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of the Navy.