The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Lawrence K. Hennessy (MCSN: 0-8961), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a rifle company attached to the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Group on 7 May 1945. Leading his company in an attack against a heavily defended strategic ridge, Captain Hennessy ably directed the fire of his men into the Japanese stronghold and fearlessly penetrating the enemy’s intense barrage of artillery, machine gun and rifle fire occupied the objective. With his unit suddenly blasted by an increased concentration of exploding shells and gun fire, he was ordered to evacuate his company from the untenable position. Realizing the grave peril to his men, Captain Hennessy remained on the ridge directing and defending their withdrawal and, pouring a steady stream of fire at the enemy until his entire company had reached comparative safety. By his personal valor, cool decision and indomitable fighting spirit, Captain Hennessy served as an inspiration to his men and effected the accomplishment of a difficult operation. His conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.