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 Lawrence D. Lahaie (ASN: 16012283), United States Army, for gallantry in action which serving with Company G, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On ** April 1943, on Djebel *****, Tunisia, Sergeant Lahaie, when his platoon leader was missing as a strong enemy counter-attack was advancing toward the position of his platoon, without hesitation took command and under heavy artillery, machine gun, and mortar fire from the enemy, he successfully moved his squads and automatic weapons to counter the maneuver of the attacking enemy force. Without regard for his personal safety, he moved from rifleman to rifleman making them hold their positions and shouting words of encouragement as he directed their fire. When one of his automatic weapon men was severely wounded by a hand grenade he crawled to the exposed position, dragged the injured man to cover enabling him to receive medical attention, thereby saving his life. Under Sergeant Lahaie’s leadership the platoon turned back one of the enemy’s main trusts in a four-hour counter attack. Staff Sergeant Lahaie’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.