Todd J. Angell
Lieutenant (junior grade), U.S. Navy

Francis Lawrence Toner IV graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, in the Class of 2006 with a degree in Engineering.

On 27 March 2009, Lieutenant (junior grade) Francis Lawrence Toner IV was serving with Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan at Camp Shaheen, Mazar-E-Sharif, Afghanistan, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that date, LTJG Toner and three other officers were conducting physical training around the perimeter of Camp Shaheen when they were attacked by an enemy that had infiltrated the Afghan National Army. In seconds, officers were shot and lying wounded on the ground. The gunman proceeded to shoot one of the wounded officers. LTJG Toner, unarmed, verbally challenged the insurgent and continued to advance until he was fatally wounded. LTJG Toner's actions distracted the attacker from shooting the 2nd wounded officer, and allowed the fourth runner to seek reinforcements. LTJG Toner's courage and dedication to duty that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Navy's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals and Awards (Partial List)

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
Purple Heart
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Navy Expert Rifleman Medal

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Francis L. Toner, IV, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as Garrison Engineer, Camp Mike Spann Embedded Training Team in Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 27 March 2009. While Lieutenant Junior Grade Toner and three other Officers were conducting physical training around the perimeter of Camp Shaheen, they were attacked by an enemy who had infiltrated the Afghan National Army. In seconds, Officers were shot and lying wounded on the ground. The gunman proceeded to shoot one of the wounded officers. Lieutenant Junior Grade Toner, unarmed, verbally challenged the insurgent and continued to advance until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant Junior Grade Toner's actions distracted the attacker from shooting the second wounded, and allowed the fourth runner to seek reinforcements. Lieutenant Junior Grade Toner's distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy and the United States Army.

Burial

Lieutenant (junior grade) Francis Lawrence Toner IV is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 60, Site 8876.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35277899/francis-lawrence-toner