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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) John Livermore Hazen, Jr. (ASN: 0-26677), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Forward Observer, 604th Field Artillery Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, in Italy, on 24 February 1945. Having spent much time perfecting plans for artillery support for a coordinated attack, Second Lieutenant Hazen, although physically exhausted and properly relieved of his duty, remained in a forward observation post to insure success of his plan. Realizing the danger from artillery shells bursting around him, he continued to direct support fire after his relief had become a casualty. While executing his voluntary assignment, he was killed. The essential artillery fire, which insured the success of the attack against a determined enemy, was made possible by the gallant courage and keen sense of duty and responsibility of Second Lieutenant Hazen. Such heroic actions set a high goal for future operations and reflect high honor on the United States Army.