Frank J. Lawson
Home of record: Oklahoma
Awards and Citations
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Technical Sergeant Frank J. Lawson (MCSN: 275630), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces on Obong-ni Ridge, near Yongsan, Korea, on 17 and 18 August 1950. During the attack on a ridge, the platoon leader of the second platoon was killed. Sergeant Lawson, the platoon sergeant, immediately assumed command of the platoon and continued the attack in a highly aggressive manner. At darkness, having seized a portion of the company objective, Sergeant Lawson was ordered to defend that position for the night. At approximately 0230, 18 August 1950, a severe enemy counterattack was launched against Company A's perimeter of defense. During the ensuing action, intense small arms, automatic, machinegun, hand and rifle grenade fire was directed at the Company position. Sergeant Lawson, wounded painfully in the thigh by machinegun fire during the initial enemy onslaught, continued to move among his men, directing their fires and reforming the line against the attacking enemy. While moving about through this intense fire, he was wounded again by shrapnel in the head, arms, legs and body. Not until the enemy attack was repulsed, would he allow himself to be evacuated. Although badly wounded himself, Sergeant Lawson unselfishly assisted two severely wounded Marines back to the aid station. His outstanding leadership, devotion to duty and heroic actions were an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 200 (December 18, 1950)
Action Date: August 17 & 18, 1950
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Technical Sergeant
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 5th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
On August 5, 1950, 5th Marines were deployed to the Pusan Perimeter as part of the Provisional Marine Brigade. From there they participated in the Inchon Landing, Battle of Chosin Reservoir and fighting on the East-Central Front and Western Front until the end of hostilities.
Name: Frank Joe Lawson
Birth Date: 18 Jun 1921
Birth City: Maysville
State Registered: Oklahoma
Death Date: 7 Dec 1950
Death Country: Korea
Death Description: Killed in Action CHOSIN RESERVOIR TOWN OR AREA: HAGARU-RI
War: Korean War
Title: Master Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Master Sergeant
Service: U.S. Marine Corps
Service ID: 275630
Notes: Master Sergeant Lawson was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on December 7, 1950. Master Sergeant Lawson was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Presidential Unit Citation NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION, ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER RIBBON, NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL, VICTORY MEDAL WWII, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, Korean Presidential Unit Citation Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll
JOINED USMC 15 OCT 1939 in Dallas Texas
after boot camp Dec 1939 ASSIGNED Co "C" 1st Batt 2nd Marine BG 6th Marines Fleet marine Force [FMF] San Diego, California
Aug 1940 Promoted to PFC
Dec 1940 Promoted to Corporal
Jan 1941 assigned to co "C" 1st Bn 2nd Mar 2nd Mar Brig
July 1941 transfered to HQ2nd BN 2nd Mar Div
Jan 1942 Promoted to Sergeant
Feb 1942 Volunteered for and was reassigned to B Co 2nd Marine Raider Battalion [Carlson's Raiders]
Companies A and B of Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson's 2d Raider Battalion went from Oahu to Makin atoll on board submarines Argonaut and Nautilus and landed on the hostile beach early on 17 August. The raid was planned to destroy enemy installations, gather intelligence data, test raiding tactics, boost homefront morale, and possibly to divert some Japanese attention from Guadalcanal. It was partially successful on all of these counts, but its greatest asset was to homefront morale.
They participated in the following World War II campaigns:
Makin Island Raid
Guadalcanal
Southern Solomons
Tarawa
Saipan
Tinian
Okinawa
1930 US Census
Name: Frank J Lawson
Home in 1930: Maysville, Garvin, Oklahoma
Age: 9
Estimated Birth Year: about 1921
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Valentine S Lawson
Mother's Name: Merry R Lawson
Race: White
Parents' birthplace: Father: Missouri Mother: North Carolina
Household Members:
Name Age
Valentine S Lawson 39
Merry R Lawson 32
Kathleen Lawson 13
Lee M Lawson 11
Frank J Lawson 9
Dale V Lawson 5
Billie R Lawson 2 9/12
Home of record: Oklahoma
Awards and Citations
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Technical Sergeant Frank J. Lawson (MCSN: 275630), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces on Obong-ni Ridge, near Yongsan, Korea, on 17 and 18 August 1950. During the attack on a ridge, the platoon leader of the second platoon was killed. Sergeant Lawson, the platoon sergeant, immediately assumed command of the platoon and continued the attack in a highly aggressive manner. At darkness, having seized a portion of the company objective, Sergeant Lawson was ordered to defend that position for the night. At approximately 0230, 18 August 1950, a severe enemy counterattack was launched against Company A's perimeter of defense. During the ensuing action, intense small arms, automatic, machinegun, hand and rifle grenade fire was directed at the Company position. Sergeant Lawson, wounded painfully in the thigh by machinegun fire during the initial enemy onslaught, continued to move among his men, directing their fires and reforming the line against the attacking enemy. While moving about through this intense fire, he was wounded again by shrapnel in the head, arms, legs and body. Not until the enemy attack was repulsed, would he allow himself to be evacuated. Although badly wounded himself, Sergeant Lawson unselfishly assisted two severely wounded Marines back to the aid station. His outstanding leadership, devotion to duty and heroic actions were an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 200 (December 18, 1950)
Action Date: August 17 & 18, 1950
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Technical Sergeant
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 5th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
On August 5, 1950, 5th Marines were deployed to the Pusan Perimeter as part of the Provisional Marine Brigade. From there they participated in the Inchon Landing, Battle of Chosin Reservoir and fighting on the East-Central Front and Western Front until the end of hostilities.
Name: Frank Joe Lawson
Birth Date: 18 Jun 1921
Birth City: Maysville
State Registered: Oklahoma
Death Date: 7 Dec 1950
Death Country: Korea
Death Description: Killed in Action CHOSIN RESERVOIR TOWN OR AREA: HAGARU-RI
War: Korean War
Title: Master Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Master Sergeant
Service: U.S. Marine Corps
Service ID: 275630
Notes: Master Sergeant Lawson was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on December 7, 1950. Master Sergeant Lawson was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Presidential Unit Citation NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION, ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER RIBBON, NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL, VICTORY MEDAL WWII, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, Korean Presidential Unit Citation Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll
JOINED USMC 15 OCT 1939 in Dallas Texas
after boot camp Dec 1939 ASSIGNED Co "C" 1st Batt 2nd Marine BG 6th Marines Fleet marine Force [FMF] San Diego, California
Aug 1940 Promoted to PFC
Dec 1940 Promoted to Corporal
Jan 1941 assigned to co "C" 1st Bn 2nd Mar 2nd Mar Brig
July 1941 transfered to HQ2nd BN 2nd Mar Div
Jan 1942 Promoted to Sergeant
Feb 1942 Volunteered for and was reassigned to B Co 2nd Marine Raider Battalion [Carlson's Raiders]
Companies A and B of Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson's 2d Raider Battalion went from Oahu to Makin atoll on board submarines Argonaut and Nautilus and landed on the hostile beach early on 17 August. The raid was planned to destroy enemy installations, gather intelligence data, test raiding tactics, boost homefront morale, and possibly to divert some Japanese attention from Guadalcanal. It was partially successful on all of these counts, but its greatest asset was to homefront morale.
They participated in the following World War II campaigns:
Makin Island Raid
Guadalcanal
Southern Solomons
Tarawa
Saipan
Tinian
Okinawa
1930 US Census
Name: Frank J Lawson
Home in 1930: Maysville, Garvin, Oklahoma
Age: 9
Estimated Birth Year: about 1921
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Valentine S Lawson
Mother's Name: Merry R Lawson
Race: White
Parents' birthplace: Father: Missouri Mother: North Carolina
Household Members:
Name Age
Valentine S Lawson 39
Merry R Lawson 32
Kathleen Lawson 13
Lee M Lawson 11
Frank J Lawson 9
Dale V Lawson 5
Billie R Lawson 2 9/12
Frank J. Lawson
Home of record: Oklahoma
Awards and Citations
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Technical Sergeant Frank J. Lawson (MCSN: 275630), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces on Obong-ni Ridge, near Yongsan, Korea, on 17 and 18 August 1950. During the attack on a ridge, the platoon leader of the second platoon was killed. Sergeant Lawson, the platoon sergeant, immediately assumed command of the platoon and continued the attack in a highly aggressive manner. At darkness, having seized a portion of the company objective, Sergeant Lawson was ordered to defend that position for the night. At approximately 0230, 18 August 1950, a severe enemy counterattack was launched against Company A's perimeter of defense. During the ensuing action, intense small arms, automatic, machinegun, hand and rifle grenade fire was directed at the Company position. Sergeant Lawson, wounded painfully in the thigh by machinegun fire during the initial enemy onslaught, continued to move among his men, directing their fires and reforming the line against the attacking enemy. While moving about through this intense fire, he was wounded again by shrapnel in the head, arms, legs and body. Not until the enemy attack was repulsed, would he allow himself to be evacuated. Although badly wounded himself, Sergeant Lawson unselfishly assisted two severely wounded Marines back to the aid station. His outstanding leadership, devotion to duty and heroic actions were an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 200 (December 18, 1950)
Action Date: August 17 & 18, 1950
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Technical Sergeant
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 5th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
On August 5, 1950, 5th Marines were deployed to the Pusan Perimeter as part of the Provisional Marine Brigade. From there they participated in the Inchon Landing, Battle of Chosin Reservoir and fighting on the East-Central Front and Western Front until the end of hostilities.
Name: Frank Joe Lawson
Birth Date: 18 Jun 1921
Birth City: Maysville
State Registered: Oklahoma
Death Date: 7 Dec 1950
Death Country: Korea
Death Description: Killed in Action CHOSIN RESERVOIR TOWN OR AREA: HAGARU-RI
War: Korean War
Title: Master Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Master Sergeant
Service: U.S. Marine Corps
Service ID: 275630
Notes: Master Sergeant Lawson was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on December 7, 1950. Master Sergeant Lawson was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Presidential Unit Citation NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION, ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER RIBBON, NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL, VICTORY MEDAL WWII, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, Korean Presidential Unit Citation Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll
JOINED USMC 15 OCT 1939 in Dallas Texas
after boot camp Dec 1939 ASSIGNED Co "C" 1st Batt 2nd Marine BG 6th Marines Fleet marine Force [FMF] San Diego, California
Aug 1940 Promoted to PFC
Dec 1940 Promoted to Corporal
Jan 1941 assigned to co "C" 1st Bn 2nd Mar 2nd Mar Brig
July 1941 transfered to HQ2nd BN 2nd Mar Div
Jan 1942 Promoted to Sergeant
Feb 1942 Volunteered for and was reassigned to B Co 2nd Marine Raider Battalion [Carlson's Raiders]
Companies A and B of Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson's 2d Raider Battalion went from Oahu to Makin atoll on board submarines Argonaut and Nautilus and landed on the hostile beach early on 17 August. The raid was planned to destroy enemy installations, gather intelligence data, test raiding tactics, boost homefront morale, and possibly to divert some Japanese attention from Guadalcanal. It was partially successful on all of these counts, but its greatest asset was to homefront morale.
They participated in the following World War II campaigns:
Makin Island Raid
Guadalcanal
Southern Solomons
Tarawa
Saipan
Tinian
Okinawa
1930 US Census
Name: Frank J Lawson
Home in 1930: Maysville, Garvin, Oklahoma
Age: 9
Estimated Birth Year: about 1921
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Valentine S Lawson
Mother's Name: Merry R Lawson
Race: White
Parents' birthplace: Father: Missouri Mother: North Carolina
Household Members:
Name Age
Valentine S Lawson 39
Merry R Lawson 32
Kathleen Lawson 13
Lee M Lawson 11
Frank J Lawson 9
Dale V Lawson 5
Billie R Lawson 2 9/12
Home of record: Oklahoma
Awards and Citations
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Technical Sergeant Frank J. Lawson (MCSN: 275630), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces on Obong-ni Ridge, near Yongsan, Korea, on 17 and 18 August 1950. During the attack on a ridge, the platoon leader of the second platoon was killed. Sergeant Lawson, the platoon sergeant, immediately assumed command of the platoon and continued the attack in a highly aggressive manner. At darkness, having seized a portion of the company objective, Sergeant Lawson was ordered to defend that position for the night. At approximately 0230, 18 August 1950, a severe enemy counterattack was launched against Company A's perimeter of defense. During the ensuing action, intense small arms, automatic, machinegun, hand and rifle grenade fire was directed at the Company position. Sergeant Lawson, wounded painfully in the thigh by machinegun fire during the initial enemy onslaught, continued to move among his men, directing their fires and reforming the line against the attacking enemy. While moving about through this intense fire, he was wounded again by shrapnel in the head, arms, legs and body. Not until the enemy attack was repulsed, would he allow himself to be evacuated. Although badly wounded himself, Sergeant Lawson unselfishly assisted two severely wounded Marines back to the aid station. His outstanding leadership, devotion to duty and heroic actions were an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 200 (December 18, 1950)
Action Date: August 17 & 18, 1950
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Technical Sergeant
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 5th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
On August 5, 1950, 5th Marines were deployed to the Pusan Perimeter as part of the Provisional Marine Brigade. From there they participated in the Inchon Landing, Battle of Chosin Reservoir and fighting on the East-Central Front and Western Front until the end of hostilities.
Name: Frank Joe Lawson
Birth Date: 18 Jun 1921
Birth City: Maysville
State Registered: Oklahoma
Death Date: 7 Dec 1950
Death Country: Korea
Death Description: Killed in Action CHOSIN RESERVOIR TOWN OR AREA: HAGARU-RI
War: Korean War
Title: Master Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Master Sergeant
Service: U.S. Marine Corps
Service ID: 275630
Notes: Master Sergeant Lawson was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on December 7, 1950. Master Sergeant Lawson was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Presidential Unit Citation NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION, ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER RIBBON, NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL, VICTORY MEDAL WWII, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, Korean Presidential Unit Citation Data Source: Korean War Veterans Honor Roll
JOINED USMC 15 OCT 1939 in Dallas Texas
after boot camp Dec 1939 ASSIGNED Co "C" 1st Batt 2nd Marine BG 6th Marines Fleet marine Force [FMF] San Diego, California
Aug 1940 Promoted to PFC
Dec 1940 Promoted to Corporal
Jan 1941 assigned to co "C" 1st Bn 2nd Mar 2nd Mar Brig
July 1941 transfered to HQ2nd BN 2nd Mar Div
Jan 1942 Promoted to Sergeant
Feb 1942 Volunteered for and was reassigned to B Co 2nd Marine Raider Battalion [Carlson's Raiders]
Companies A and B of Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson's 2d Raider Battalion went from Oahu to Makin atoll on board submarines Argonaut and Nautilus and landed on the hostile beach early on 17 August. The raid was planned to destroy enemy installations, gather intelligence data, test raiding tactics, boost homefront morale, and possibly to divert some Japanese attention from Guadalcanal. It was partially successful on all of these counts, but its greatest asset was to homefront morale.
They participated in the following World War II campaigns:
Makin Island Raid
Guadalcanal
Southern Solomons
Tarawa
Saipan
Tinian
Okinawa
1930 US Census
Name: Frank J Lawson
Home in 1930: Maysville, Garvin, Oklahoma
Age: 9
Estimated Birth Year: about 1921
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Valentine S Lawson
Mother's Name: Merry R Lawson
Race: White
Parents' birthplace: Father: Missouri Mother: North Carolina
Household Members:
Name Age
Valentine S Lawson 39
Merry R Lawson 32
Kathleen Lawson 13
Lee M Lawson 11
Frank J Lawson 9
Dale V Lawson 5
Billie R Lawson 2 9/12
Inscription
Frank Joe Lawson
Oklahoma
M Sgt US Marine Corp
World War II Korea PH
June 18 1921
Dec 7 1950
Family Members
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