The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Larry E. Rowe (MCSN: 2457139), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 9 July 1969, Company B was conducting a search and destroy operation northwest of the An Hoa Combat Base in Quang Nam Province when the Marines became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a well-fortified bunker complex. As Private First Class Rowe’s platoon assaulted an enemy anti-aircraft weapon emplacement, the friendly unit came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from the hostile position. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Rowe fearlessly rushed approximately thirty meters through the intense enemy fire to the hostile position and commenced hurling hand grenades into the fortification. Disregarding his own safety, he steadfastly remained in his hazardous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts, killing two hostile soldiers and driving fifteen of the enemy into an exposed area in an open rice paddy, thereby enabling his comrades to deliver effective fire upon them. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Rowe upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.