The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Laurence M. Holzman (MCSN: 463671), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 15 September 1944. During an enemy tank counter attack, Private First Class Holzman put a light machine gun into action and firing accurately into the vision slits of an enemy tank advancing upon him, blinded the operator and forced the tank to go wild. Staying at his gun until the tank was about to run over him he rolled out of its path as it passed by and stopped after crashing into a ditch and, hurling grenades at the disabled vehicle killed one of the crew. By his courage, initiative and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the elimination of one hostile tank and to the protection of the endangered flank position of his company. His conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.