The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO-2) Lawrence S. Webster (ASN: W-3156371), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company on 6 June 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Webster distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as an aircraft commander on an armed helicopter during the extraction of a Special Forces long range reconnaissance team in heavy contact with a large enemy unit. En route to the team’s location, he encountered monsoon weather, yet he expertly navigated his aircraft through the thick clouds and fearsome rainstorms that shrouded the treacherous mountain region. When he arrived on station he immediately engaged the enemy. Continually exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, he provided superb suppressive fire, which protected the team as they moved through dense jungle to the extraction point. He continued to defy enemy fire to cover the rescue aircraft, as they hovered over the jungle canopy for the extraction. By courageously diverting enemy fire and by making his ship a tempting target, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO-2) Lawrence S. Webster (ASN: W-3156371), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Aviation Brigade, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 September 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Webster distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1C armed helicopter in support of a long range reconnaissance patrol in contact with a numerically superior enemy force near An Khe. The reconnaissance team was under fire from three directions and in serious trouble of being overrun. Chief Warrant Officer Webster flew his aircraft between the friendly location and the enemy location, diverting fire away from the beleaguered team members and enabling them to withdraw to a defensible position. Although his aircraft was hit by hostile fire and he was seriously wounded. Chief Warrant Officer Webster would not leave the area until his ammunition was completely expended into the enemy locations. Through his courage and bold tactics, he contributed immeasurably to saving the reconnaissance team from annihilation. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.