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 Corporal David A. Lacey, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 29 July 1943. Corporal Lacey volunteered to assist in wiping out an enemy machine gun position which was impeding the advance of the platoon and was preventing the evacuation of several helplessly wounded soldiers. Aggressively engaging the enemy he silenced the light machine gun, but in so doing was killed by enemy fire. By his devotion to duty and at the sacrifice of his life, Corporal Lacey enabled the platoon to continue its advance, and was instrumental in saving the wounded from annihilation. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.