The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Lau (MCSN: 0-85372), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Commander of Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy during Operation UTAH, Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 4 March 1966. Lieutenant Lau was directed to deploy his company to cover the right flank and rear of the attacking battalion. Moving his company under intense enemy mortar and machine gun fire, h reached his assigned tactical position just in time to counter a series of enemy attacks in that area. Moving to each of his platoons and completely disregarding the devastating enemy fire, Lieutenant Lau successfully held this critical point of the battalion position and then, on his own daring initiative, attacked and seized a small hill which dominated the entire battalion line. While consolidating his position he was directed to withdraw in order to permit the use of artillery and air strikes on the heavily armed and well entrenched enemy. Undaunted by this turn of events, Lieutenant Lau again moved his platoon under intense enemy fire, directing their efforts in such a way that every fanatical enemy attack was thwarted and every one of his many wounded Marines was removed from the exposed forward position. While consolidating his portion of the battalion defensive line after dark, Lieutenant Lau witnessed a savage burst of enemy machine gun and mortar fire directed at helicopters attempting critical re-supply and casualty evacuation. Aggressively crawling forward under the enemy fire, he determined the location of the enemy strongpoint, returned to his company, organized and then led a night attack which wrested a series of trench lines and bunkers from the enemy. Realizing the danger to the battalion should the enemy re-occupy these positions, Lieutenant Lau, on his own initiative, brought forward his entire command and occupied the former enemy position. His actions enabled the battalion to obtain critically needed ammunition and medical supplies and, thereby, to launch a series of successful attacks the following day. By his indomitable courage, his aggressive fighting spirit, and his daring initiative, he contributed to the success of the battalion mission and saved the lives of many severely wounded men who would otherwise not have been removed to a place of safety. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.