The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lawrence W. McElrea (MCSN: 1070084), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on, 6 June 1951. When a member of his fire team fell wounded in an exposed position as the platoon was subjected to devastating hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire during an attack against a strongly defended enemy hill position, Corporal McElrea, realizing that a Corpsman was not available, rushed to the stricken man, carried him to a covered position and rendered first aid while repeatedly exposed to persistent hostile fire, materially aiding in saving the life of his comrade. After assigning the wounded man’s gun to another rifleman, he again moved forward in the attack and greatly aided in the final seizure of the objective. By his outstanding courage, quick initiative and gallant devotion to duty, Corporal McElrea served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.