The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Lester G. Newell (ASN: 3945871), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 June 1944, in Italy. An Infantry Company, of which Staff Sergeant Newell was a member, was attacking with tank support. One of the tanks was put out of action by the enemy. When the crew of this tank tried to escape, enemy machinegun fire was placed on the vehicle. The crew radioed for help. Staff Sergeant Newell and a scout, mindful of the excellent enemy observation, immediately volunteered for this task. They advanced to within 350 yards of the tank at which point they were subjected to savage enemy machine gun fire, some of the bullets passing within a foot of their heads. Disregarding the extreme danger, Staff Sergeant Newell and the scout immediately began firing on the enemy position. Their fire was so effective that t he enemy was forced to hold their fire long enough for the tank crew to escape. During this action, two Germans were killed. Having completed his mission, Staff Sergeant Newell and the scout proceeded to return to their unit. They were forced to crawl most of the distance under devastating machine gun and mortar fire. This gallant and fearless action on the part of Staff Sergeant Newell resulted in saving the lives of the tank crew and in killing two of the enemy. His courageous and fearless action and his willingness to risk his life for his fellow soldier exemplifies the finest traditions of the United States Army.