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 Captain (Infantry) Joseph Lawrence Byrne (ASN: 0-1309211), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 and 30 October 1944, in France. When his men made the final bayonet charge that secured “Suicide Hill”, Captain Byrne, despite machine gun fire and snipers’ bullets which twice missed him by inches, led the charge, giving his men protective BAR fire. The following day, Captain Byrne’s courageous leadership and devotion to his men are in keeping with the United States Army’s finest traditions.