Laurence Washburn Gay was born in May 1897 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He was the son of Henry Heman Gay and Alice Eliza Blood Gay. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I as a Sergeant in the 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 26th Infantry Division. He died on October 30, 1918 of posion gas in France at the age of 21 and is now buried in Groton Cemetery, Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA.

Distinguished Service Cross Citation:
Awarded posthumously for actions during the World War I
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Lawrence W. Gay (ASN: 132999), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 101st Field Artillery, 26th Division, A.E.F., north of Verdun, France, 23 October 1918. As a sergeant in charge of an artillery observation post and rocket relay station during an intensive bombardment of gas shells, after a direct hit had been made on his observatory Sergeant Gay evacuated all his men, but he, himself, though badly gassed, continued for 6 hours and until relieved to observe the enemy's fire and relay calls for barrages. He died shortly after being evacuated thus sacrificing his life to save the men under his command, his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty under a continuous bombardment of high explosives being a great inspiration to the men of his regiment.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 9 (1923)
Action Date: 23-Oct-18
Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant
Company: Headquarters Company
Regiment: 101st Field Artillery
Division: 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

Silver Star Citation
Awarded for actions during the World War I
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Lawrence W. Gay (ASN: 132999), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Gay distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near the Paris-Metz highway, 20 July 1918.
General Orders: GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (June 3, 1919)
Action Date: July 20, 1918
Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant
Company: Headquarters Company
Regiment: 101st Field Artillery Regiment
Division: 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces