The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Lawrence R. Petrick (ASN: 0-1291512), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 November 1950, in the vicinity of Unbong-dong, Korea. On that date the 1st Battalion command post was located in a school house, while the companies were in position on ridges approximately a mile away. At 2030 hours the enemy attacked and broke through the companies, infiltrating the command post area. Major Petrick, commanding officer at Headquarters Company, in the absence of both the Battalion Commander and staff, received and gave orders to withdraw. Shortly afterward a second order was received to resume the original positions. As communications with the companies had been severed, Major Petrick personally went from company to company, under heavy small arms and mortar fire, reorganizing and sending the men back to their positions. His determined and courageous action was responsible for retaining order in the battalion and enabling it later to accomplish an orderly withdrawal with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Major Petrick reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.