Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

U.S. Army

Citation:
"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Kenna M. Lester (35283249), Staff Sergeant [then Corporal], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while his company was attached to a Marine regiment in the Torokina River area, Bougainville, British Solomon Islands, on 18 December 1943. Sergeant Lester was the leader of a squad of a reconnaissance patrol, sent beyond our lines to determine the strength, dispositions and installations of Japanese positions. Due to dense jungle growth the patrol entered an enemy position entrenched in well-camouflaged bunkers and fox holes, in which it was exposed to fire from three sides. Although the patrol took cover before the enemy opened fire, it was evident that the Japanese had discovered its presence. Sergeant Lester requested and obtained permission from the patrol leader to make a diversion. He crept through the jungle to the rear of the enemy's position and when only eight feet from a Japanese bunker, signaled his comrades to begin their withdrawal, and then threw grenades into the position in front of him. Two survivors emerged from the bunker which he destroyed and then delivered rapid and accurate fire into the other enemy entrenchments, thus drawing attention from his comrades who withdrew without casualties. Sergeant Lester, although wounded three times, remained at his post until the patrol had reached safety, whereupon he broke off the action and rejoined his squad. His bravery, aggressiveness and heroic devotion to duty enabled his patrol to accomplish its mission successfully, and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces."