THE WALL OF FACES

Mike, we were friends in High School and shared many memories. Our last subject was Health and Gym and we just couldn't wait until the day was over. We would dodge out the back door of Columbia High School and do a dash up to your house. Then, we whould sit on the steps and spend time just talking for many hours. You were a GREAT friend and good person. You will ALways be remembered as a patriot and MARINE! YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN!

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.

Hey there, “Hoss,”. I fondly remember the time when we were assigned to the Dai Lok Pass Hotel Battery and we, along with our squad, got drunk on rum and Coke, and Lt Brennen had us on night guard duty for punishment?? Miss you, Buddy!

Dear PFC Michael Lawrence, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. For many of us, we have begun Lent. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Michael J. Lawrence

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael J. Lawrence (MCSN: 54401671), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 August 1969, while participating in a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province, elements of the Second Battalion came under a heavy volume of fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force, which seriously wounded three Marines. Unhesitatingly volunteering to assist in recovering the casualties, Private First Class Lawrence boldly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and was within ten meters of attaining his goal when he was wounded and forced to withdraw. Again, on 25 August, his company was subjected to intense hostile machine gun fire which severely wounded several Marines and a Corpsman, who fell in a forward area dangerously exposed to hostile fire. Fully aware of the risks involved but unwilling to allow the helpless Corpsman to remain subjected to the enemy fusillade raking the area, Private First Class Lawrence valiantly moved forward in the face of relentless hostile fire and was mortally wounded while carrying the Corpsman back to a covered position. By his courage, aggressive initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Lawrence inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.