Major LeFrancois was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division in Korea, where he was wounded and evacuated to Japan where he died on 9 June 1952.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross *
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
Asia Pacific Medal
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal

* Navy Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Wilfred S. LeFrancois (MCSN: 0-8229), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as Platoon Leader of the First Platoon, Company A, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. By his discriminating disposal of the advance guard, Second Lieutenant LeFrancois enabled it to engage the enemy effectively, initiating the fire with great success. Displaying exemplary leadership and determination, he led his platoon in advance until severely wounded in the right shoulder by enemy machine-gun fire. Throughout the engagement, his aggressiveness, courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.