The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Larry E. Royer (NSN: 4265056), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 July 1952. Hospitalman Royer, serving as a Corpsman, participated in a night raid against a heavily defended enemy position. Discovering that a Marine had been wounded forward of the friendly base of fire, Hospitalman Royer left his covered position and ran through the intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire to the side of the wounded Marine. He dragged the man into a shell crater and began to administer first aid. Although an enemy machine gun was firing directly over his head and, on one occasion a mortar blast blew the medical scissors from his hand, he fearlessly continued to administer first aid and encourage the painfully wounded man. While waiting for friendly fire to destroy the enemy machine gun, Hospitalman Royer fought off several enemy grenadiers with his pistol. During the withdrawal he assisted in carrying the wounded back into friendly positions. His outstanding attention to duty, without regard for his own safety was an inspiration to all who observed him. Hospitalman Royer’s courageous actions 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 Hospitalman Larry E. Royer (NSN: 4265056), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 September 1952. Serving as a Corpsman, Hospitalman Royer displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty when the outpost was subjected to heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire. As the enemy launched numerically superior infantry assaults on the small outpost, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and moved about the exposed area, treating the casualties and helping them to the few covered positions available. When he had exhausted his supply of medications, he continued to move from position to position, encouraging the wounded Marines and checking on their condition. A the enemy pressed the assault, he protected the casualties although armed only with a pistol. He personally killed or wounded seven of the hostile troops and when the attack had subsided, he assisted in the evacuation of the injured men. Hospitalman Royer’s gallant and courageous actions were instrumental in saving the lives of many of the wounded Marines and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.