The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Lawrence F. Christenson (ASN: 39232156), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 15 January 1945 in Luxembourg. On that date, the squad in which Private First Class Christenson serves as an automatic rifleman was ordered to flank a rifle company to repel an enemy threat. In this movement all but Private First Class Christenson and another member of the squad became casualties due to heavy artillery fire. Undaunted, the two men assumed positions in a shell crater and effectively halted the enemy with flanking fire. Estimating the enemy strength, Private First Class Christenson delayed them while his comrade departed and returned with reinforcements, repulsing the enemy. His bravery, determination, and constant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.