The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Third Class [then Hospitalman] Larry Anthony Hartigan (NSN: B-519786), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 23 February 1969. Petty Officer Hartigan was accompanying a Marine squad from Company K as the unit maneuvered to relieve elements of Company M which were pinned down by a large hostile force in Quang Nam Province. Observing that several Marine casualties from an adjacent element were out of reach of their own corpsman, he unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept, open rice paddy, and rendered medical treatment to the wounded men. As Petty Officer Hartigan’s squad began to maneuver across an open area, it was halted by a heavy volume of enemy machine-gun and sniper fire which seriously wounded one member in a forward fire team. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Hartigan moved forward across approximately 275 yards of open area to the aid of the fallen Marine. After taking initial first-aid measures, he found it necessary to give his patient mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. While thus engaged, and completely exposed to enemy fire, Petty Officer Hartigan, himself, was mortally wounded by sniper fire. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several injured Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Hartigan upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.