Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major James F. Lawrence, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7913), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Operations Officer, and later as Executive Officer, of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 6 and 7 December 1950. With his battalion designated as the division vanguard during the crucial movement from Hagaru-ri to Koto-ri in the face of surrounding numerically superior enemy forces, Major Lawrence unhesitatingly volunteered to lead a small command group directly behind the forward assault platoon to coordinate the advance of the attacking rifle companies and, despite an almost ceaseless hail of hostile mortar and small-arms fire, constantly maintained his hazardous position to direct the supporting arms. Although seriously shaken by the bursts of enemy shells, he bravely continued to direct the supporting aircraft, tanks and mortars, completely neutralizing three hostile roadblocks during the first four miles of the attack. When the battalion commander and the executive officer became casualties, Major Lawrence promptly assumed command of and skillfully directed the battalion in breaking through the last enemy barriers outside the Koto-ri perimeter during the early morning hours of 7 December. Receiving orders to move back toward Hagaru-ri to assist the division column in its attempt to overcome reestablished hostile roadblocks, he fearlessly led his men in a daring blocking maneuver despite near exhaustion from the bitter cold, enabling the remainder of the division to move into friendly lines without further resistance from the enemy. By his outstanding courage, inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Major Lawrence was directly instrumental in the success achieved by his division and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General James F. Lawrence, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7913), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General James F. Lawrence, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7913), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.