The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Lawrence M. Stubbings, Jr. (MCSN: 818712), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 10 June 1945. Assuming command when his Platoon Leader became a casualty during fierce enemy action and his platoon was halted by extremely heavy fire from a Japanese machine gun emplacement which caused numerous casualties, Platoon Sergeant Stubbings exposed himself to intense hostile fire to assist the wounded men to safety, thereby enabling them to receive prompt first aid. Subsequently advancing through heavy enemy fire, he assaulted and neutralized the Japanese emplacement. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.