The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Private First Class Lawrence McCormick (MCSN: 259980), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action on January 23, 1943, at Guadalcanal. During action when enemy artillery was shelling the bivouac area of a company of Marines, Private First Class McCormick displayed exceptional courage and unselfish heroism. When the cries from several men hit by shell fragments were heard, Private McCormick left his fox hole in the face of the intense artillery fire, rendered first aid, and then secured transportation for the evacuation of the wounded.