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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Lawrence Joseph Doucette (NSN: 7527779), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving with a Marine Medical Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. Hospitalman Doucette, serving as a jeep ambulance driver, displayed great skill, courage, and confidence in the performance of his duties. Although subjected to direct enemy small arms, machine guns, and mortar fire, he made repeated trips to front units to evacuate wounded Marines. On one trip to the assaulting units, his jeep struck an unmarked land mine and he was mortally wounded, thereby heroically giving his life. His disregard for his own personal safety served as an inspiration to all who observed him. Hospitalman Doucette’s initiative and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospitalman

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1950
    Commanding General, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced) FMF: Serial 35137 (October 31, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Lawrence Joseph Doucette (NSN: 7527779), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Navy Medical Company attached to the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 September 1950. Serving as a Medical Corpsman, Hospitalman Doucette was returning from the front lines with an ambulance load of casualties when his vehicle was subjected to withering enemy automatic weapons fire from a cleverly concealed position. Quickly removing the wounded men under his care to a covered position, he then fearlessly and with complete disregard for his own personal safety assaulted the enemy position single-handedly, killing four of the enemy with well-placed rounds from his carbine. His great personal bravery and courageous devotion to duty saved his comrades from further injury or death. Hospitalman Doucette’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.