The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Andrew F. Lawhon (MCSN: 0-14015), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Weapons Platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, 1 February 1944. When his platoon was cut off and subjected to fire of increasing intensity from infiltrating enemy groups shortly after achieving the Battalion objective, First Lieutenant Lawhon successively dispatched two runners to the rear for reinforcements. With each man killed in turn before traversing fifty yards, the vulnerability of his isolated position was emphasized, and the need for immediate assistance was imperative. Placing his second in command in charge of the platoon, he undertook the mission himself and, although surrounded by the enemy and under intense hostile fire, succeeded in reaching a landing team, where he obtained aid for his imperiled troops. His courageous fighting spirit and heroic devotion to duty were an inspiration to all with whom he served and reflected the highest credit upon first Lieutenant Lawhon and the United States Naval Service.