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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Robert Lawrence (ASN: 0-5336788/RA-18748811), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Lawrence distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 22 February 1968, while serving as a platoon leader with Company C, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a combat mission near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became pinned down by intense hostile fire from a numerically superior enemy force, Lieutenant Lawrence exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved forward to his unit’s point position to assist in the evacuation of the wounded men. Although he sustained a serious wound, Lieutenant Lawrence remained exposed to the enemy fire as he provided covering fire for his unit’s withdrawal. At this time Lieutenant Lawrence was mortally wounded. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.