Larry Eugene Lawrence

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Larry Eugene Lawrence (2307915), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Sub Unit #1, Headquarters Company, Regimental Landing Team TWENTY-SIX (Forward), Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 June 1967. Lance Corporal Lawrence was serving as Assistant Machine Gunner with a security force on Hill 950, north of Khe Sanh, when an enemy company of superior numbers attacked the vital radio relay position defended by eighteen men with rockets, mortars, grenades and small arms fire. Lance Corporal Lawrence and his team saw a rocket destroy a bunker to their left which was occupied by three men. His own bunker was overrun and enemy grenades seriously wounded his three other team members. They decided to try to make it to the main defensive position, while Lance Corporal Lawrence stayed back to cover for them. Upon seeing his men come under close range fire again, he completely disregarded his own safety as he stood up and drew fire away from the wounded men. He fired point blank at the oncoming enemy only a few meters away and temporarily drove them back, allowing his men to reach safety. While voluntarily exposing himself, he was hit by an explosive device and mortally wounded. By his selfless actions, he saved his comrades from almost certain death, and aided the small force to hold the vital position. Lance Corporal Lawrence’s inspiring valor and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.