The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Lester Allen (ASN: 36952117), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 November 1944, in Germany. Intense enemy mortar fire coming from a building inflicted casualties on Private First Class Allen’s company and halted its advance. He advanced for forty yards to a position where he engaged in a fierce fire fight and killed the entire enemy mortar squad. Private First Class Allen’s gallant action allowed his company to continue to its objective without suffering additional casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Allen, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.