The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Lawrence K. Rauen (MCSN: 286283), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 16 June 1944. As Acting Platoon Leader during continuous enemy counterattacks in force between midnight and dawn, Sergeant Rauen repeatedly exposed himself to enemy mortar, rifle and machine-gun fire to supply his men with desperately needed ammunition. When automatic weapons failed to function, he skillfully made adjustments and replaced the parts in the dark, restoring the weapons to action during the critical period and continuing his gallant efforts until he was severely wounded by mortar fire. By his intrepid spirit and aggressive leadership, he contributed directly to the repulse of the enemy counterattack in his sector, and his devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.