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 J. Bienvenu (ASN: 38377112), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 29 November 1943. Private First Class Bienvenu displayed outstanding initiative and courage in repeated attempts to destroy two Japanese machine gun nests hidden in caves in the side of a steep cliff. At one point he deliberately stood up to draw enemy fire which identified the exact location of the cave to two officers who were attacking from the flank. Later, when one officer was wounded, Private First Class Bienvenu, disregarding the devastating machine gun fire, crawled into the open and assisted in carrying him to a covered position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Bienvenu, 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.