CITATION: GO 10, 24 January 1945 (page 2)
FRANCIS J. BOLGER, O-1310916, First Lieutenant, 508th Parachute Infantry.
For gallantry in action for the period 6 to 9 June 1944, near ***,
FRANCE.
First Lieutenant BOLGER, a platoon leader, Company
"D", 508th Parachute Infantry. led his platoon with much courage and
aggressiveness and was able to assist in seizing and defending an
important position during the initial stages of the invasion of the
continent. On the morning of D-Day, following a parachute drop
in "**, First Lieutenant BOLGER assembled his platoon but was unable
to contact his own organization. He joined a small force of
parachute troops engaged in clearing the enemy from the town of ***,
and assisted in driving the enemy from the town. A German
strongpoint defended the bridge over the MERDERET River west of the
town and blocked the causeway. First Lieutenant BOLGER
directed his platoon in an attack which destroyed the enemy
defending the bridge. He established a defense and neutralized
enemy positions dug in along the causeway. Repeated counter
attacks by the enemy to retake he crossing were repulsed.
During one engagement First Lieutenant BOLGER was wounded in the leg
but continued to direct the defense of his position. Supporting
forces driving west from the beaches were permitted uninterrupted
crossing of the MERDERET River, largely as a result of First
Lieutenant BOLGER's determined efforts in the defense of this
position. Entered military service from
NEW JERSEY.
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