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 Private Lawrence J. Harrigan (ASN: 20251202), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 3 January 1945, at ****, Belgium. During an attack on the town of ****, Private Harrigan, BAR Gunner, moved without orders and with complete disregard to his own safety across open terrain commanded by enemy machine gun fire and knocked out the enemy position with a rifle grenade. His action allowed his platoon, which had been pinned down by enemy fire, to advance toward their objective. Later in the same attack, Private Harrigan gave his life in an attempt to eliminate still another enemy machine gun position. Although not completely successful in this mission he forced the enemy to concentrate their fire on himself and gave the remaining men in his platoon opportunity to maneuver. His actions – always aggressive in addition to being above and beyond the call of duty – were worthy of emulation and an inspiration to the men with whom he fought.