The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Lawrence E. Sarti (MCSN: 2439227), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company A, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 June 1969, Sergeant Sarti’s six-man reconnaissance team was inserted on Mutters Ridge near Fire Support Base Russell, and within thirty minutes the Marines heard the sound of mortars being fired in the distance. After quickly analyzing the situation, Sergeant Sarti skillfully directed Marine supporting arms fire upon one hostile mortar position and observed seven secondary explosions. As he began to direct a second fire mission on another mortar position, four North Vietnamese soldiers were sighted within fifteen meters of his team. After moving his team to a new position on higher ground, more enemy movement was detected nearby. In order to more accurately determine the size and disposition of the enemy force, he and one of his men made a short reconnaissance of the area and almost immediately made contact with three enemy soldiers and killed them. He then returned to his men and established a defensive position to await the arrival of an aerial observer that he had requested. When the aerial observer arrived, he ably guided him to the hostile targets and subsequently directed the air strikes of fixed wing aircraft. Locating two additional enemy soldiers near his position, he fearlessly crawled toward them and emplaced a claymore mine, which after luring the enemy soldiers from their position, he detonated, killing one and wounding the other. Returning to his team’s position, he boldly continued directing the air attack upon the enemy and was instrumental in inflicting heavy casualties upon the hostile force without sustaining friendly casualties. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of a large enemy unit. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Sergeant Sarti upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.