The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Laurence Anthony Martin (MCSN: 517200), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 June 1965. While leading the platoon’s point squad across a rice paddy dike, Staff Sergeant Martin was badly injured by a land mine which detonated directly in front of him. Disregarding his wounds, he immediately positioned the unit, insuring that they were safely behind cover. Still ignoring his own wounds, he quickly began treating the more seriously wounded around him. After the Corpsman arrived to continue administering aid, Staff Sergeant Martin, without hesitation, moved forward to a concealed area and established an emergency landing site for helicopter evacuation of the wounded. He then assisted in carrying the critically wounded forward. When heavy enemy small arms fire engaged the landing site, Staff Sergeant Martin, disregarding exposure to the enemy fire, moved from position to position throughout the perimeter defenses. He remained in the landing site insuring engagement of enemy targets and maintenance of proper security to all sides until he finally was lifted out by the last helicopter. Staff Sergeant Martin’s initiative and coolness under fire, though badly wounded, decisively contributed to the prompt treatment of the wounded and their quick, efficient evacuation. By his courageous actions, Staff Sergeant Martin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.