Sergeant 1st Class Wayne Lawson was in the US Marines prior to transferring to the US Army. Sergeant Lawson had been attached to the Camp Pickett Medical Training Replacement Center after bitter action for 10 months at the Korean front.

The family of Sergeant Lawson was posthumously presented the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters for bravery and leadership. The Bronze Star Medal was for meritorious service from November 26, 1950, to December 2, 1950. During this period, Sergeant Lawson carried out his duties as squad leader of a 57MM rifle squad in an outstanding manner. Under the most adverse weather and conditions during this critical period, he carried out his many assignments with a cheerful and willing attitude at all times. The untiring efforts and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Lawson reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The first Oak Leaf Cluster was presented because Sergeant Lawson distinguished himself by heroic achievement on February 15, 1951, I the vicinity of Chipyoung-Ni, Korea. The rifle platoon of Company B, supported by Sgt. Lawson and his 57MM recoilless rifle squad, made a frontal attack on enemy positions. While making this attack the platoon was subjectd to an extremely heavy concentration of enemy small arms and heavy artillery fire. During the initial phase of the attack the sighting mechanism was completely shot away from his 57MM recoilless rifle. Although handicapped by the loss of his sighting device, Sgt. Lawson continued the attack and continued to fire his weapon vigorously, destroying two machine gun emplacements which were impending the movement of attacking friendly forces. His courageous actions enabled the platoon to accomplish its mission.

The second Oak Leaf Cluster was presented for his actions as a rifle squad leader which was engaged in an attack to seize high ground against the opposition of a well entrench enemy force on February 16, 1951. During the attack which lasted eight hours, Sergeant Lawson displayed outstanding leadership as he led his squad under heavy fire toward the objective. His unfaltering determination and aggressive tenacity, inspired his men in a bitter and critical fight for the commanding ground and contributed immeasurably to the eventual success of the company in seizing their objective.

Sergeant. 1st Class Wayne Lawson was a war hero when he died at the age of 22 in an automobile accident in Virginia on 1/12/1952.