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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Thomas Percy Laney (ASN: 0-1177041), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 230th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 July 1944, in France. Lieutenant Laney was serving as a forward observer, and to give the infantry proper artillery support he remained with leading elements of the assault battalion. When the enemy counter-attacked in force, artillery fire knocked out the observer’s radio and a shell fragment pierced Lieutenant Laney’s cheek, but he refused evacuation. Unable to direct artillery fire, he went from one wounded man to another rendering first aid. He then moved five hundred yards under intense artillery fire where he coordinated the fire of the artillery by using another radio. His courageous actions greatly assisted in breaking up the enemy attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Laney, 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.