The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Lawrence H. Dudley (ASN: US-56733353), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Dudley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 June 1969, while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Kien Hoa Province. While walking point, Specialist Four Dudley came upon a squad of Viet Cong. The Viet Cong rear security man fired on Specialist Four Dudley and his companion. Specialist Four Dudley returned fire immediately, silencing the rear security man. In the ensuing fight, Specialist Four Dudley maintained a high volume of accurate fire, even after he had been wounded. Specialist Fourth Class Dudley’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.