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 (Infantry) Lawrence R. Watson (ASN: 0-410281), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 90th Infantry Division. On 11 June 1944 Captain Watson was given the mission of organizing and supervising the assault on a fortified position. He personally led the attack in the face of heavy machine-gun and mortar fire and when all members of the assaulting party were pinned down, worked his way forward to a position where he was able to attract fire away from his men. By firing numerous rounds with his own weapon he killed at least five of the enemy and was placed in an extremely hazardous position where he was the object of machine gun and small arms fire and enemy and grenades. Nevertheless he continued to direct the operation from his position until relieved.