The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Paul Henderson Lawing, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant Lawing distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 Jun e 1972. Sergeant Lawing observed a force of Viet Cong soldiers moving towards his hilltop outpost located near Long Hai, Phuoc Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam. He immediately brought this enemy force under mortar fire and requested assistance. Shortly afterwards a reaction force from the Phuoc Tuy Training Battalion, Forces Armee’ National Khmere Training Command, Army Advisory Group, arrived at the base of the outpost and made contact with the enemy. Sergeant Lawing personally directed the actions of this friendly force from his observation post. When the enemy element broke up into smaller groups Sergeant Lawing unhesitatingly moved through intense enemy small arms and machine gun fire in order to continue directing the movements of the reaction force. Once again with complete disregard for his own safety he moved through the bullet swept area in order to engage this flanking element. At this time he came under withering machinegun fire and fell mortally wounded. Sergeant Lawing’s conspicuous gallantry saved a friendly force from ambush and probable loss. Sergeant Lawing’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.