The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Laurence Joseph Legere, Jr. (ASN: 0-22937), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against the enemy as Assistant G-3 (Operations and Training), Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, in action on the morning of 6 June 1944, in France. Major Legere, a member of a mixed detachment of paratroopers, advanced on the small town of Pouppeville, France. When the advanced guard was held up by enemy resistance on the outskirts of the town, Major Legere worked his way forward and with utter disregard of his own safety under direct small arms fire of the enemy, personally directed the attack on the enemy position. While engaged in this action he was severely wounded. Despite the injuries he continued to direct action until the enemy resistance was knocked out. His action contributed materially to the gaining of the Pouppeville Causeway, assuring the safe passage inland of a large number of Allied troops and the eventual establishment of the Allied beachhead in that area. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Legere, 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.