Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company G, 3d Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 30th, 1944

"For gallantry in action on 27 September 1944, near ****, Holland. Private First Class Lester, runner in Company G, 3d Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in the absence of any officer or non-commissioned officer, personally led a platoon under heavy enemy fire in a daring assault on a group of hostile machine guns in the woods. Six machine guns were destroyed and many prisoners captured. His high courage, initiative and leadership at a critical moment enabled his company to achieve its objective. Throughout continuing successful assaults by his platoon, his personal daring and disregard for danger were a constant source of inspiration to all members of the company. On a later mission, he again reorganized the platoon when its commander and non-commissioned offers were wounded and led it to take an objective and hold it against counterattack. His actions reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army."

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 60

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Citation:
"For having distinguished himself by performing excellent acts of courage, conduct and loyalty during the fighting by the 82nd Airborne Division in the area of the city of NIJMEGEN between September 17th and October 4th, 1944. Thereby having displayed repetitiously outstanding devotion to duty and great perseverance and in all respects having set a praiseworthy example and having been an inspiration to all during those gloriousc days."

Royal Decree dated October 8th, 1945 Nr. 31.