The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Lawrence A. Schacker (MCSN: 293508), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 June 1944. Assuming command of his machine gun platoon when the Leader and Gunnery Sergeant became casualties, Sergeant Schacker reorganized the platoon and, despite heavy casualties, succeeded in keeping four guns in action through a strong enemy counterattack the next morning. By his courage in braving constant and intense hostile fire to keep his guns in action, he contributed materially to the destruction of the Japanese and to the success of our forces. His aggressive spirit and zealous devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.