The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Vincent C. Lanasa (ASN: 33376518), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 2 and 3 October 1944 in France. When a rifle company of the regiment in which Private First Class Lanasa served was taking and holding a town on 2 October, he personally led a litter squad in search of wounded. Passing through a barrage of artillery fire and infiltrating through enemy lines to reach the objective, Private First Class Lanasa found it impossible to evacuate the wounded. With great initiative he set up an aid station, treating the injured. On 3 October, again on his own initiative, Private First Class Lanasa contacted an enemy aid station by subjecting himself to both friendly and enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire to persuade ten of the enemy to surrender. His bravery, resourcefulness, and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.