The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Robert F. Lent (MCSN: 295360), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Sergeant serving with the FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 14 January 1944. Constantly subjected to devastating fire from concealed hostile positions while proceeding up a steep and well-defended incline, Platoon Sergeant Lent successfully gained the crest of the hill in advance of his men and, braving the bitter enemy opposition, placed his command in an advantageous position enabling them to direct their fire so skillfully and effectively that the Japanese guns were quickly put out of action. Platoon Sergeant Lent’s gallant fighting spirit, outstanding fortitude and unrelenting devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.