BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES F. LAWRENCE, U.S.M.C., then a major, received the Navy Cross for his extraordinay heroism while serving with the First Marine Division in Korea in actions 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 assualt 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.

General Lawrence resided in Virginia.