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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery Lawrence C. Blanchard, Jr. (ASN: 0-1171902), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while serving with the 29th Field Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry Division, in action on 8 June 1944 in Normandy, France. The initiative and courage displayed by this officer reflects great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.