The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Michael J. Lawrence (ASN: RA-012255656), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On the morning of that date, contact between Sergeant Lawrence’s company command post and its 81-mm. mortar platoon was broken. Sergeant Lawrence volunteered to proceed to the mortar platoon position to determine why communications no longer existed. As he approached the area, he discovered that the platoon was under attack by an enemy force which had infiltrated the front lines. Undeterred by the enemy fire to which he was by now subjected, he continued on his mission. As he drew nearer he observed an enemy machine gun which was subjecting the mortar platoon to intense fire. The enemy crew at the same time noticed Sergeant Lawrence and challenged him. Remaining calm and thinking quickly, he stopped behind a building and hurled a hand grenade into the hostile position, killing the enemy crew of four and destroying the gun. His heroic action freed the mortar platoon from direct fire and enabled them to successfully repulse the enemy assault. Sergeant Lawrence then contacted the platoon leader, reestablished contact with the company command post, and returned to report to his company commander. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Lawrence reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.