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) Eugene P. Laybourne, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving on the Staff of General Joseph Stilwell, Chief of Staff of the Allied Forces in China, for gallantry in action against the enemy during the campaign in Burma, on 26 March 1942. Serving as a technical advisor to the Chinese FIFTH Army, engaged with the Japanese on that date, First Lieutenant Laybourne exposed himself to great personal danger during heavy hostile counter battery fire, with such gallantry as to greatly encourage the Chinese forces. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Laybourne, 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.