The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Lester O. Walters (ASN: 36979087), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945 at Hatten, France. During a heavy German infantry attack, Private Walters who was at a company outpost was ordered to withdraw. On the way back from the front line, he noticed that his squad leader was missing. Returning to the outpost under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and sniper fire, Private Walters found the man wounded and stunned by a shell burst. After administering first aid, he brought him safely through 900 yards of deep snow to the aid station where he was treated and evacuated to safety. Private Walters’ gallant act saved his leader from possible death or capture.