Lawrence A. Lang

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lawrence A. Lang (223689), Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage as Non-Commissioned Officer in command of a platoon of Company B, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. Although suffering from a shattered arm bone, received early in the engagement, Gunnery Sergeant Lang continued to lead his platoon until forced by loss of blood to be evacuated. His personal valor and complete disregard for his own safety served to inspire his men in holding the left flank during most of the action. His conscientious devotion to duty at great risk to his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 21, 1942