The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Lyle R. Ianson (ASN: 20602974), 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 15 March 1944. Displaying fearless tenacity in the face of an attack by a numerically superior force of Japanese troops, Staff Sergeant Ianson succeeded in holding his pillbox although many of the enemy came within a few feet before being killed. When it became apparent the attack could not be broken with the weapons in the strongpoint, Staff Sergeant Ianson called for mortar fire directly upon his pillbox. This display of unselfish devotion to duty and indomitable spirit was in the highest tradition of the Army forces. Subsequently, he volunteered to lead a tank-supported counterattack. Riding in the lead tank, he pointed out enemy strongpoints thus contributing materially to the success of the mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Ianson, 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.