The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Command Sergeant Major Lionel Groves, British Army, for gallantry in action with the 6th Battalion, The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. On the night of 13-14 December 1944, Z Coy6 RWK was detailed to attack the houses at Camaggio and the Camaggio ridge. The two leading platoons met heavy opposition and were pinned down. Wireless communication was lost, and the platoon runners were unable to find their platoons, which were under heavy mortar and machine gun fire. CSM Groves, realizing the gravity of the situation, unhesitatingly went forward to find the platoon attacking on the right. He found the platoon and assisted the platoon commander with the reorganization of the platoon. He then returned to Coy Headquarters, reported their position and the situation, and then immediately went to fire the platoon attacking the houses at Camaggio. The whole area was still under constant mortar and machinegun fire, but eventually he found the platoon and discovered that the Platoon Commander had been wounded and that the Platoon Sergeant was missing. He reorganized the platoon within thirty yards of the enemy, and tried to press home the attack. This was impossible, owing to extremely heavy fire. When orders to withdraw were received, he remained until last, covering the withdrawal himself, and only when the last casualty had been safely evacuated did he withdraw to his Headquarters. During the whole action his complete disregard for his personal safety was an inspiration to all who saw him, and but for his courage, leadership and determination the platoon would have been overrun.