William V. Francisco was born on September 2, 1948.  He had three sisters, Betty, Judy, and Dorothy, and a brother, James.  He graduated from Summit High School.
Francisco left Summit, NJ, to serve in the US Army.  He was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.  He attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4).
Francisco was killed in action on January 10, 1969.  He is buried in St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Summit, NJ.
He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal. Prior to his death his was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Sharpshooter Badge with automatic rifle and rifle bars.
His Silver Star Medal Citation reads:
For gallantry in action:  Specialist Four Francisco distinguished himself by heroic actions on 7 January 1969, while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam.  While conducting a reconnaissance in force mission, Company C was attacked by an unknown size enemy force.  During the initial contact several casualties were sustained.  With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Francisco ran through intense enemy fire to aid his wounded comrades.  He personally extracted several men despite the heavy volume of communist fire.  After his valorous lifesaving mission, Specialist Francisco moved forward to place devastating fire on the enemy when he was mortally wounded.  His valorous actions were responsible for saving several lives and success of the mission.  Specialist Francisco’s personal bravery, aggressiveness and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
The Bronze Star Medal citation reads:
For distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 19 September 1968 to 10 January 1969.
Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results.  He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever-changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation, and to find ways and means to solve those problems.  The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the Communist threat to its freedom.
His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to the duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him and on the military service.
Sources: Jim Francisco (brother), Cathy Roskaz (girlfriend) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024