The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Lawrence Kent Dowd (MCSN: 16408052), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 10 August 1969, the First Platoon of Company E was occupying defensive positions approximately two miles south of the Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province. Suddenly, the Marines came under a heavy ground attack by an estimated company-size North Vietnamese Army force utilizing grenades, satchel charges, and small arms. Aware of a pending ammunition shortage, Lance Corporal Dowd, although painfully injured twice during the battle by fragments of enemy mortar rounds, commenced carrying vitally needed ammunition and hand grenades to the lines. Alertly observing two seriously wounded Marines lying in a position dangerously exposed to the intense enemy fire, Lance Corporal Dowd unhesitatingly crawled across the fire-swept terrain to their side. With complete disregard for his own safety and the hostile rounds impacting near him, he boldly dragged his companions to a position of relative safety and was subsequently mortally wounded by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. His heroic and timely actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his fellowman inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two Marines. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Dowd contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.