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 Staff Sergeant Hurlid Lawson (ASN: 35263193), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 22 April 1945, the platoon support ed by Sergeant Lawson’s machine gun section was halted by intense enemy rifle and machine gun fire. Sergeant Lawson immediately moved his squad into position to fire on the enemy emplacement. However, the pillbox could not be reduced by small arms fire, and the platoon was ordered to withdraw for a mortar concentration. Sergeant Lawson remained with his gun and ordered the balance of his squad to withdraw with the rifle platoon. Then, he fired round after round of intense fire from his partially exposed position into the Japanese emplacement successfully covering the movement of the platoon. However, as he prepared to withdraw, the enemy increased their fire and mortally wounded him. Sergeant Lawson’s courage and devotion to duty allowed his comrades to withdraw safely and contributed much to the successful reduction of the enemy position. 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.