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 Lawrence H. Middlecoff (ASN: 34885260), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Armored Division, on 30 October 1944, on Hill 721, Torre de Nerone, Italy. Company B of an armored infantry battalion, while in position on Hill 721, was attacked by a large enemy force and its positions partially overrun. Private First Class Middlecoff, with another man of that machine gun crew, remained with the gun, delivering a withering crossfire that inflicted many losses upon the enemy and stopped the attack on that position. During another attack, which was accompanied by a heavy concentrated artillery and mortar barrage, Private First Class Middlecoff again remained with the gun until his assistant was severely wounded and the gun knocked out by an enemy shell. Private First Class Middlecoff then reconnoitered the other gun positions until he found an unmanned machine gun which he cleaned and repaired. He set up the gun and continued firing a devastating fire upon the enemy until the engagement was concluded. The courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Middlecoff reflects the finest traditions of the armed forces and is worthy of the highest praise.