The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Baskin Reid Lawrence, Jr. (ASN: 0-21529), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Combat Leader in the EIGHTH Air Force, on a combing mission over Germany on 12 March 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence directed a Heavy Bombardment Wing from his position in the leading airplane of the formation. Under his inspiring leadership, a highly important and heavily defended military object were successfully bombed. The courage, skill, and brilliant leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.



