The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Laurence E. Hardman (ASN: 34547583), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 27 February 1945. When it was ascertained that an enemy occupied house was located in the path of a scheduled attack, Sergeant Hardman voluntarily led an assault squad against the enemy position. Sergeant Hardman, by deploying his men through arm and hand signals, reached the enemy held house, killing one enemy soldier and capturing several others, without a single casualty in the squad. Sergeant Hardman’s tactical ability, courage and daring leadership reflect credit upon his character as a soldier.