The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lawrence Albert Peavler (MCSN: 2225293), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, First Shore Party Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation UNION II, Corporal Peavler was a member of a Helicopter Support Team in support of Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines. On 13 May 1967, the company was crossing a ridge line while maneuvering against the flank of an enemy fortified position when suddenly it came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from well camouflaged Viet Cong emplacements. Forced by the heavy volume of hostile fire to momentarily withdraw, the unit maneuvered to more advantageous fighting positions in order to suppress the enemy fire and establish a helicopter landing zone to evacuate the wounded. Realizing that at least thirty wounded Marines lay dangerously exposed to the hostile fire on the forward slope of the ridge line, Corporal Peavler unhesitatingly volunteered to retrieve the casualties and with complete disregard for his own safety, ran across the fire-swept terrain to the aid of his wounded comrades. Although often forced to crawl through the intense enemy fire, he steadfastly continued his determined efforts. On fifteen separate occasions, he crossed the hazardous area, rendered immediate first aid and then, aided by several Marines who were inspired by his fearless actions to assist him in the evacuation operation, he carried his wounded comrades to positions of relative safety. In large measure due to his bold initiative and courageous actions, Company K was able to expeditiously evacuate the wounded and continue the attack. By his inspiring courage, unfaltering determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Peavler undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.