The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lawrence J. Brent (MCSN: 2079230), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 July 1966, during Operation HASTINGS, Corporal Brent was serving as Patrol Leader of a twelve-man unit operating near the Dong Ha airstrip. While several of the Marines were obtaining water from a small stream, they were taken under attack by a force of about sixty Viet Cong. Exhibiting presence of mind in the emergency, Corporal Brent directed covering fire for the members of the water detail. Shortly thereafter, enemy fire intensified from three sides. Sensing that his squad was being enveloped from the left rear, Corporal Brent promptly deployed the machine gunner to cover the men and, without regard for his own safety, exposed himself to the hostile fire to direct the movement of his men to key high ground in the right rear. When two helicopters were approaching the area, he displayed remarkable resourcefulness in overcoming a failure in his radio equipment. After signaling to the aircraft by hurling red smoke grenades at the enemy and dropping green ones in his own perimeter, Corporal Brent courageously exposed himself to give hand and arm signals in the midst of hostile fire, which by this time had increased in volume and included several mortar rounds. The action of the helicopters forced the enemy from cover and enabled Corporal Brent and his men to account for thirty enemy dead. Realizing that the unit’s low ammunition supply and lack of communications made prompt withdrawal necessary, Corporal Brent judiciously maneuvered his men from the hazardous area. His inspiring leadership and professionalism were instrumental in dealing heavy losses to the Viet Cong without sustaining Marine casualties. By his exceptional fortitude and composure in the face of extreme danger, coupled with unfaltering dedication to duty throughout, Corporal Brent upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.