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 the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Carl Harden Lawrence (ASN: RA-13664138), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant Lawrence distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 6 March 1967, while serving as an acting platoon leader with Company A, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a combat air assault mission near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. Assuming command of his platoon when the platoon leader was killed by intense hostile fire, Sergeant Lawrence responded to his estimate of the situation by directing the platoon into a close perimeter from which the men could defend themselves. He continuously exposed himself to the enemy fire to locate hostile positions for his men, and again exposed himself to go to the aid of his wounded. After gaining fire superiority over the enemy, which permitted the platoon to advance, he personally supervised the evacuation of the dead and wounded. Sergeant Lawrence’s heroic and inspirational action in the face of overwhelming adversity resulted in the successful completion of the mission. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.