Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Cavalry Regiment, 2d Brigade

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    June 19, 1967

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 4616 (August 14, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Lawrence Ray Lasiter (ASN: RA-18331054), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force. Staff Sergeant Lasiter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 19 June 1967, while serving as a Squad Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam. When his squad came under intense hostile fire from a large Viet Cong force, Sergeant Lasiter immediately moved his men and a platoon of tanks forward to suppress the enemy fire. In the ensuing battle, he personally directed the retaliatory fire of his men while repeatedly exposing himself to enemy small arms and machine gun fire. While moving through the fire-swept area to reach a wounded comrade, Sergeant Lasiter was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. His display of personal bravery and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.