The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John P. Lanigan (MCSN: 0-9691), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 10 May 1945. Captain Lanigan courageously led his company to the assistance of the assaulting units which have been immobilized by heavy enemy fire during a pre-dawn attack across the Asa Kawa River. Crossing the river under heavy fire after the footbridge had been destroyed by the enemy; he executed an enveloping movement which restored the impetus of the attack. Often exposing himself to enemy fire while leading assault platoons, he was in large measure responsible for the success of his company in forcing the enemy from strongly defended positions and in seizing its objective. By his leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Lanigan upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.