The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Lawrence E. Deery (ASN: 0-401945), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action at Saint Cloud, Algeria, 9 November 1942. During the Oran offensive, despite heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire, Chaplain Deery proceeded to the front lines and returned with two wounded soldiers, after crossing several fields covered by heavy enemy fire. Later, Chaplain Deery, on his own initiative and with unsurpassed bravery, proceeded through enemy lines and succeeded in carrying water to the men of the 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment. Chaplain Deery’s courage and heroism, displayed in the face of enemy fire, were an inspiring example to the officers and men of this battalion. 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 and the United States Army.


