The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Medical Corps), [then Captain] Lester I. Fox, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 24 April 1942, at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, during an enemy artillery bombardment of Battery Crockett, where he operated a battalion first aid station. When a shell crashed through the hoist room wall, setting fire to bedding and equipment and injuring several men, he left his station to aid the wounded. At the same time, assuming command of the battery, Major Fox organized the able-bodied men to beat back the flames which dangerously threatened the powder rooms. Two more shells burst within the battery, wounding most of the remaining men and severely injuring him and destroying his medical kit. Doggedly, he dragged himself about, helping the injured and trying to smother with a blanket the fires raging nearest the powder room doors, when another shell burst and further injured him. Through his outstanding courage and determination, as seen by a rescue detail who later entered to find him semi-conscious and still by the doors to the powder room, Major Fox did much to prevent a terrible explosion and loss of life in the battery emplacement.