The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Lacey M. Ward (MCSN: 293656), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as sergeant guide serving with a company in the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain on 26 December 1943. When the left flank of his company was held back in its advance against the enemy by intense machine gun fire from a strongly fortified pill box, Sergeant Ward courageously assaulted the hostile emplacement with grenades and rifle fire hitting three of the enemy and shooting one who attempted a rear escape. Determined to neutralize the hostile emplacement, he boldly plunged into the pill box with rifle and bayonet and killed the last two Japanese occupants. Sergeant Ward’s heroic initiative and fearless conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Lacey M. Ward (MCSN: 293656), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 17 September 1944. Leading his platoon in support of tanks during an attack against strongly fortified hostile positions on the southwest peninsula of the island, Platoon Sergeant Ward directed both the tanks and his men in delivering effective fire which inflicted serious damage on enemy emplacements. Painfully wounded during this action, he refused to be evacuated and continued to direct his platoon’s attack from an unprotected position in the face of intense hostile machine gun and rifle fire until he was ordered evacuated by his Commanding Officer. His courage and determination served as an inspiration to his men and were contributing factors in the success of his company’s attack and in the final annihilation of a determined enemy. His persistent devotion to duty reflects great credit on Platoon Sergeant Ward and the United States Naval Service.