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 Sergeant [then Private First Class] Lawrence R. Bails (ASN: 37662577), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 February 1945. When his squad leader was seriously wounded during an attack against an enemy-held building, Private Bails took charge and rallied the disorganized squad. He directed his men to cover and then crossed the open, bullet-swept area to secure tank support. However, the armored help was not immediately forthcoming, and as Private Bails started to rejoin his men, he noticed an enemy machine gun firing across the field from a basement window of the building. He crept to within a few feet of the window, pulled the pin of a hand grenade, held it for two seconds, and tossed it into the hostile emplacement. The grenade destroyed the gun and killed four enemy soldiers. With this threat removed, Private Bails led his squad in the successful accomplishment of its mission. 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.