The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

LCpl LAWRENCE A. AXLEY

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    " The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Lawrence A. Axley, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 22 August 1969, Lance Corporal Axley was walking the dangerous point position for his platoon during a patrol near the Demilitarized Zone when the Marines encountered a large North Vietnamese Army force concealed in well-fortified bunkers. During the initial exchange of fire, Lance Corporal Axley killed one of the North Vietnamese soldiers and then maneuvered to a position of relative safety. As the volume of enemy fire increased, several Marines were wounded and the two point squads were pinned down. When he heard a call for medical assistance, Lance Corporal Axley left the security of his covered position, crossed forty-five meters of fire-swept terrain to reach the casualties and then carried a wounded companion to safety. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, he again moved into the open, picked up another Marine, and began carrying him to safety, but as he neared the security of a covered area, he was severely wounded. Despite the intense pain of his wounds, Lance Corporal Axley managed to carry his wounded comrade to a covered area. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Axley inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."