The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Lisle A. Pratt, Jr. (ASN: 0-2005975), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945 in France. Company E was in an assembly area preparing for an attack, and Lieutenant Pratt, a platoon leader, was assigned the mission of moving forward and making contact with the front line units. After accomplishing his mission, he advanced beyond the friendly lines to reconnoiter a route of approach to the enemy positions, known to be guarded by extensive minefields and machine gun emplacements. He then returned and skillfully led his platoon as the foremost element in an advance of 1,500 yards to a point 300 yards behind enemy lines. Leading the attack on the rear of the enemy positions, he surprised and completely disorganized the German force. As a result of his daring initiative and gallant leadership, the friendly troops seized their objective with a minimum of casualties, killing 20 Germans and wounding several others. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.