The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Lawrence Joseph Bender, III (MCSN: 0-95847), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Assistant Infantry Advisor, Fifth Infantry Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Chheu Kach, Cambodia, on 14 and 15 May 1970. At approximately 1030 one company of the Fifth Battalion came under heavy attack by an unknown sized North Vietnamese Army unit after being inserted by helicopter. Captain Bender and the Battalion Executive Officer were inserted into the battle area and received intense machine gun, recoilless rifle and small arms fire while aboard the helicopter. They moved without hesitation to the point of contact. Captain Bender made a rapid and accurate assessment of the situation, and recommended reinforcement by an additional company. Immediately following the insertion of the additional Marines, the enemy mounted an intense coordinated attack by small arms, automatic weapons, recoilless rifles and anti-aircraft weapons. Captain Bender accompanied his counterpart in leading three assaults in an unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the enemy from their position to a location fully exposed to enemy observation and fire in order to direct and control gun ship and OV-10 aircraft support. At approximately 1900 a defensive position was established and immediate preparations for an emergency resupply of ammunition and the evacuation of casualties were made. Although under continuous intense enemy fire, he remained in an exposed position to control the resupply and evacuation support. From approximately 1930 to 0600 hours the Marines were under constant enemy fire and on four occasions repulsed the enemy attacks. Although suffering from painful wounds received in a previous engagement, he remained in an exposed position to observe enemy gun flashes and direct the fire of each aircraft. As a result of his daring and professional skill the force of the enemy attack was blunted. Captain Bender directed and controlled eighteen OV-10 sorties and twenty-nine helicopter gun ship sorties. Captain Bender’s steadfastness and calmness under intense enemy fire contributed significantly to the victory of the Fifth Battalion. His actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.