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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph A. Lanner (ASN: 0-1295390), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, 23 February 1945. First Lieutenant Lanner’s platoon was given the mission of making a night movement to the west wall of Intramuros in Manila, and cleaning out all enemy resistance. Immediately after the attack started, hostile fire was received from a strong Japanese pillbox. However, First Lieutenant Lanner skillfully used his weapons and directed the attack so successfully that the six occupants of the emplacement were killed. As the advance continued, the enemy suddenly launched a counterattack against our forces. Completely disregarding his personal safety, First Lieutenant Lanner stood up in the middle of the street and directed the fire of his unit. Under this withering fire the enemy assault faltered. Quick to grasp the situation, First Lieutenant Lanner yelled to his men to follow him and charging forward, led an assault in which a total of eighteen Japanese soldiers were killed. He personally killed three enemy at bayonet range. It was mainly because of First Lieutenant Lanner’s courageous and inspiring leadership that his platoon accomplished its mission and the enemy was completely routed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Lanner, 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.