The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Carleton W. Lawes (MCSN: 283399), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Mariana Islands, on 25 July 1944. When his platoon was suddenly pinned down by a withering barrage of enemy machine-gun fire on an exposed ridge, Sergeant Lawes unhesitatingly placed himself in the lead and encouraged his companions to continue the assault. Determined to reach his objective, he gallantly led his men forward but, upon reaching the Japanese position, was struck down by the enemy. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and fearless disregard of personal safety, Sergeant Lawes enabled his platoon to continue the assault, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.