The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Lawrence A. O’Neil (MCSN: 0-54868), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Machine Gun Platoon Leader of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 August 1952. With the platoon subjected to intense hostile artillery, mortar and automatic weapons fire, the Marines manning one machine gun position wounded and evacuated, Second Lieutenant O’Neil personally operated the weapon and delivered effective counterfire on the hostile forces, inflicting an estimated fifteen casualties. Sighting an enemy mortar delivering fire on the friendly position, he quickly carried the machine gun to another sector of the company’s defense line, set up the weapon and succeeded in putting the hostile mortar emplacement out of action. Leaving his position after the gun was rendered inoperative, he bravely exposed himself to the heavy enemy barrage to carry three wounded Marines to positions of safety. Informed that a Marine had been mortally wounded on the forward slope, he voluntarily led a detail through intense hostile fire to recover the casualty. By his outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and selfless efforts in behalf of others, Second Lieutenant O’Neil served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.