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 First Sergeant Virgil A. Lane (ASN: 20711573), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company L, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 21 November 1942. When a hostile machine gun on the right flank of the company was causing heavy casualties and pinning down an entire platoon, First Sergeant Lane volunteered to undertake the hazardous assignment of knocking it out. Disregarding his own safety, he crawled forward thirty yards under heavy fire to within a few feet of the weapon. He hurled two hand grenades and fired several rounds with his rifle, knocking out several of the gun crews and silencing the weapon. In attempting to rejoin his platoon, First Sergeant Lane was killed by an enemy bullet. His outstandingly courageous deed not only freed the pinned-down platoon, enabling it to consolidate its positions on the high ridge, but inspired his comrades to greater effort. First Sergeant Lane’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.