The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Air Defense Artillery) John Winslow Lawrence, Jr. (ASN: 0-93798), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving Advisory Team 91, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Major Lawrence distinguished himself on 16 September 1971, while serving as District Senior Advisor, Tri Tam District, Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Major Lawrence, upon receiving news that the District S1 Officer and five other personnel had been ambushed and killed by an approximate company-size North Vietnamese Army Unit,, led a reaction force consisting of the 108th Popular Forces Platoon, the 46th Popular Forces Platoon, the District Intelligence Squad, one platoon from the 396th Regional Forces Company and a National Police Team. Upon reaching the location of the first ambush, the force led by Major Lawrence was engaged by the enemy and received severe mortar, rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire. While leading the reaction force and directing their deployment in action, Major Lawrence killed at least two enemy soldiers before being killed himself. Following his valiant and courageous example, the surviving members of the reaction force, despite their decided tactical advantage, ultimately broke the enemy defenses and destroyed their positions. Major Lawrence’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.