Lawrence B. Marion

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lawrence B. Marion, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 24 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Sanananda, New Guinea. Private Marion advanced through heavy machine gun fire and attacked a section of enemy trenches with hand grenades and enabled the unit to consolidate its position. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.