The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Lawrence D. Okendo (ASN: RA-39049555), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Master Sergeant Okendo distinguished himself by exceptional valor on 6 November 1967, in the vicinity of Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Sergeant Okendo voluntarily relieved Sergeant Major Arthurs as acting First Sergeant of Company B, 4th Battalion. The situation at that time was critical. The company commander and first sergeant were wounded and the platoon leader and platoon sergeant of the 3d rifle platoon had been killed. During the night of 6 November, Sergeant Okendo stayed along the perimeter coordinating all defenses in the midst of extremely heavy automatic weapons, rocket and mortar fire. The following day Sergeant Okendo led a screening patrol along the western slopes of Hill 823 which resulted in more enemy casualties, including a North Vietnamese officer. Sergeant Okendo’s outstanding display of bravery and devotion to duty were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.