The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William F. Lauf (ASN: 35015036), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands. When an enemy heavy machine gun was holding up the advance of the company, Private Lauf aggressively took the lead, opened fire on the enemy machine gun crew with his Browning Automatic Rifle, and succeeded in silencing the gun. During this action Private First Class Lauf was wounded by enemy fire and died at a later date. By his devotion to duty and at the sacrifice of his life he enabled the company to continue its advance. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.