The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Lawrence E. Conaway, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Conaway distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 2 March 1970 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting routine combat operations near Nhon Loc when it was assaulted by a large enemy force. During the initial exchange of rounds, several friendly soldiers were wounded and an element of the company was pinned down by enemy fire. Reacting immediately and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Conaway led his platoon to strategic firing positions. Repeatedly exposing himself to the enemy barrage, Lieutenant Conaway maneuvered among his men and directed their retaliatory fire. Disregarding the danger involved, he rushed 20 meters through a hail of hostile fire to assist several comrades in an exposed position. Through his timely and courageous actions. Lieutenant Conaway was instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack and in minimizing friendly casualties. His personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.