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 Lester A. McTire (ASN: 38385566), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 823d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 December 1944, in Belgium. Private First Class McTire and two comrades voluntarily went forward to destroy an enemy strongpoint which was holding up the attack and causing severe casualties when they were met by two enemy tanks. After destroying one tank, they remained under the savage fire of the other, despite being almost helpless in their destroyer which had become disabled, while their comrades flanked the strongpoint and destroyed it. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class McTire, 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.