The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Keary L. Lane (MCSN: 280316), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with a detail of Engineers at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 3 January 1944. When the regular operator of a bulldozer was wounded during construction of a road vital to the advance of our tanks and infantry, Staff Sergeant Lane fearlessly defied concentrated Japanese fire to proceed into the cleared area and take charge of the bulldozer. Wounded in the shoulder by an enemy machine gun as he continued construction operations, he refused to withdraw, remaining to direct and participate in the work until the task was completed. Staff Sergeant Lane’s prompt initiative, indomitable courage and coolness under intense hostile fire were important factors in the speedy accomplishment of an urgent mission, and his inspiring leadership and gallant conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.