The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Clarence A. Lester (ASN: RA-17226448), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 2 March 1952, a patrol from Company I was given the mission of contacting the enemy near Kojanha-ri, Korea. As the patrol neared its objective it was subjected to an intense barrage of hostile grenade and small-arms fire. Realizing that the entire group was in a dangerous position and could neither assault the hostile position nor withdraw, Private Lester, a rifleman, completely disregarded his personal safety as he left his position of cover and dashed through the withering hail of enemy fire, firing his weapon and hurling hand grenades all the while. Approximately ten yards from the hostile trench he was forced to take cover but, remaining there only a short while, he again tried to advance toward the foe. Still firing his weapon and throwing grenades he was hit by an enemy grenade and fell, mortally wounded, only a few feet from the hostile trench he gave his life to reach. His aggressive and courageous actions so thoroughly disorganized the enemy that the friendly patrol was able to withdraw and safely evacuate its casualties. Private Lester’s conspicuous gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.