The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Curtis G. Lawson (MCSN: 0-65073), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 533 (VMA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 25 July 1968, Major Lawson launched as Pilot of an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned a road reconnaissance mission over an area of North Vietnam known to be heavily defended by anti-aircraft and automatic weapons positions. Undaunted by the dangers involved, he commenced his search for hostile trucks and detecting a convoy southwest of Dong Hoi, executed two attacks in rapid succession. Although his aircraft came under a heavy volume of anti-aircraft fire during the third pass, he had fearlessly completed the run through a heavy volume of air bursts when his Intruder was severely damaged and caught fire. Forced to eject into a river deep within enemy territory, Major Lawson successfully evaded intense enemy search parties throughout the night. Early the next morning, from his hiding place on the river bank, he observed three anti-aircraft and several automatic weapons positions on the opposite shore and could hear another anti-aircraft and several more automatic weapons to his rear. Aware that these positions would have to be eliminated before an extraction helicopter could enter the area, he requested fixed wing aircraft and for the following eleven hours, skillfully directed air strikes within a few meters of his position, causing the systematic destruction of one gun emplacement after another. His heroism and calm presence of mind in a critical situation inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the effective elimination of numerous items of North Vietnamese weaponry. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Major Lawson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.