Lawrence R. Moots

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Lawrence R. Moots (1057664), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Artillery Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 28 November 1950. When two Marines were seriously wounded and laying in an enemy fire swept area, two attempts were made to remove the wounded Marines to safety. On each attempt, the would-be rescuers were wounded themselves and failed to reach the wounded Marines. Corporal Moots, with complete disregard for enemy mortar, automatic and small arms fire, and well aware that the two previous attempts to rescue the wounded had failed, fearlessly made his way to the wounded Marines, carried one of them to safety, and returned through the enemy fire and rescued the second Marine. His outstanding bravery and devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire was an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of the two wounded Marines. Corporal Moots’ heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.