The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lawrence H. Larson (MCSN: 323140), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 9 and 10 January 1944. Acting a runner for the Battalion commanding officer during a fierce battle with a strong enemy force, Corporal Larson carried messages to and from the assault lines, performing this and other hazardous duties courageously despite exposure to withering hostile fire. On two separate occasions he skillfully repaired breaks in vital communication lines and, during pitch darkness, led supply parties to every portion of the assault lines, delivering urgently needed ammunition and grenades to front line defense troops and contributing to the success of our forces in repelling five desperate counter-attacks by an enemy Battalion during the night. Corporal Larson’s daring action and fearless devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.