The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Laird Lucas, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 8th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, in February 1945. Reaching the far shore of the Roer River, First Lieutenant Lucas braved intense small arms and artillery fire to reorganize his platoon, which had suffered heavy casualties in the river crossing. After accomplishing his mission, First Lieutenant Lucas organized his machine gunners into an assault squad and aided the riflemen in successfully clearing a well-entrenched enemy from their position. He then used his machine guns in effective support of the assault on the next objective. His great courage and inspirational leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of the operation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Lucas, 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.