Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    July 3, 1952

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Herbert J. Lair (MCSN: 1242247), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rocket Gunner of Company G, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 July 1952. During a night raid by his unit on a heavily defended outpost, Private First Class Lair skillfully employed his rocket launcher to destroy a hostile machine gun emplacement which had pinned down the unit. When all of his rockets had been expended, he acquired a wounded man’s automatic rifle and continued in the assault, killing several enemy snipers and providing covering fire that permitted the safe evacuation of the wounded. Although suffering severe wounds when the unit was again pinned down by hostile fire, he proceeded alone for thirty yards through a blistering hail of fire to kill an enemy automatic weapons operator, thereby allowing his unit to successfully complete its mission. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and resolute fighting spirit in the face of extreme peril, Private First Class Lair served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.