The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Martin J. Lawler (ASN: 0-378186), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with a Field Artillery Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division in the period from January to April 1943. While on a night reconnaissance within enemy positions, the battalion party was ambushed by enemy machine gun and heavy weapons fire. Captain Lawler, fearing for the safety of this group, proceeded with two fellow officers to the point of ambush where enemy fire was extremely heavy. Although he failed in his attempted rescue and was captured by the enemy, Captain Lawler’s courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.