The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Lawrence Burkemper (ASN: 37388164), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 21 January 1944. On that date, the 143d Infantry Regiment was ordered to cross the **** River and attack the enemy entrenched in the terrain beyond. The attack was launched under terrific enemy artillery, nebelwerfer, mortar, and small arms fire across a deep, fast-flowing river and over ground further protected by mine fields, booby traps, and barbed wire. Cover was negligible in the last seven hundred yards of the river approaches which further complicated the difficulties encountered in bringing boats and other equipment to the river line. Many boats were destroyed before reaching the river and many others were destroyed in the water by short range enemy small arms fire. Some of the occupants of boats destroyed in the river were hit and all wee thrown into deep water. In the face of all these obstacles, he courageously pressed home the attack with indomitable fortitude, crossing the river and penetrating deeply into enemy-held territory. Subsequently, repeated savage counterattacks by the enemy succeeded in overrunning the positions. In the furious fighting which continued over a two-day period and which cost the enemy enormous casualties in killed and wounded, he lost his life. His great fortitude, tenacity of purpose and devotion to duty against vastly superior enemy forces constituted an outstanding example of fighting courage that will long endure as an inspiration to all who witnessed or have knowledge of his valorous deeds.