The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Lawrence Tait (ASN: 0-2035395), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 2d Battalion, [then Commanding Officer of Company E], 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. Company E had the mission of performing a rear guard action for the withdrawal of the 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment to more tenable positions. The enemy had succeeded in penetrating the defense line after subjecting the unit to severe fire from the front and both flanks. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Tait organized an effective fighting force and led a counterattack which thwarted the enemy’s attempt to cut the route of withdrawal. His action enabled the battalion to accomplish successfully a retrograde movement with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Tait reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.