The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Lonnie Wayne Morrison (MCSN: 2338568), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1968, during Operations Scotland, Company B was engaged in patrol activities near the Khe Sanh Combat Base, when the lead elements came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying well concealed bunkers and trenches. Realizing his unit was being pinned down by the enemy fire, Private First Class Morrison completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain and aggressively assaulted the hostile positions. Firing into the apertures and throwing numerous hand grenades into each bunker as he reached it, he successfully silenced the fire from several emplacements, enabling his company to resume its advance until ordered to withdraw. Undaunted by the heavy volume of hostile fire, he resolutely remained in a dangerously exposed position and provided highly effective suppressive fire while his comrades evacuated the wounded. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to his unit accounting for 115 North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Morrison upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.