The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First class Lawrence J. Seavy-Cioffi (MCSN: 2320621), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Forward Artillery Scout Observer, First Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam. On 8 February 1968, the platoon’s hilltop position came under heavy ground and mortar attack by a superior enemy North Vietnamese Army force which immediately inflicted heavy casualties including the Platoon Commander who was mortally wounded ten minutes into the attack. Realizing the urgency of exploiting the opportunity to eliminate the concentration of enemy forces in his sector, Private First Class Seavy-Cioffi regrouped the Marines and directed defensive fires. Despite his serious and painful injuries, and without regard for his own safety, he moved the wounded to a position of relative safety. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire in order to more effectively assess the tactical situation, intentionally drawing fire away from the main force, he inflicted casualties on the enemy and was responsible for saving the lives of his fellow Marines. By his superb leadership, personal initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in spite of extreme personal danger, Private First Class Seavy-Cioffi reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.