The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lawrence L. Chittenden, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 83d Infantry Division, in action against an enemy of the United States on 6 July , 1944 in France. When the advance of his battalion was held up near Hotot, France by intense enemy artillery and for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States when under mortar fire, he assembled a group of men from the battalion and directed the fire of this group to cover the movement of wounded personnel. He personally carried two seriously wounded men to safety and returned to the front to resume the attack. His gallant actions prevented a withdrawal and greatly assisted in keeping the attack moving. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Chittenden is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.