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 Silas C. Lawson (ASN: 2045760), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 December 1944, in Belgium. Staff Sergeant Lawson, with utter disregard for his own safety, left his sheltered position and rushed through an intense concentration of enemy fire to aid a wounded comrade. Unable to carry his comrade to safety, he shielded him from further possible injury withy his body. While doing so, Staff Sergeant Lawson was wounded but, despite his pain he helped evacuate the wounded man from the dangerous area when the fire had somewhat subsided. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Lawson, 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.