The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William E. Lester, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States during the Prisoner of War search and rescue operation at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Sergeant Lester, flying as a Paramedic/Gunner in a helicopter gunship carrying part of the ground rescue party, flew deep into the heart of enemy territory in a bold night attempt to rescue American Prisoners of War. His accurate fire on extremely critical enemy targets contributed significantly to the sense of complete confusion and disorganization among the enemy and provided protection for the rescue party. The personal skill and extreme courage displayed by Sergeant Lester in his aggressive fire during the heroic rescue attempt contributed immeasurably to the ultimate effectiveness and tactical success of the mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Lester has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William E. Lester, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 21 March 1970. On that date, Sergeant Lester attempted to rescue an American airman downed in heavily fortified hostile territory. Early in the rescue attempt, Sergeant Lester was wounded by hostile fire, but remained in his unprotected position and continued to search for the injured survivor. As the hostile force gunners scored direct hits on the aircraft with increasing accuracy and frequency, Sergeant Lester was again wounded. Only after his aircraft was forced to withdraw in order to avoid certain destruction did Sergeant Lester leave his vulnerable position to attend to his wounds. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Lester has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Technical SergeantAction Date:
November 12, 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William E. Lester, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescue/Recovery Technician in Southeast Asia on 12 November 1969. On that date, Sergeant Lester was a crewmember on an HH-53B helicopter which rescued an injured United States Air Force Pilot who had been shot down in the midst of a heavily defended hostile stronghold. Two attempts were made in the face of intense ground fire and advancing hostile forces to rescue the survivor. The second attempt was successful; but because of the nature of the survivor’s injuries, Sergeant Lester volunteered to descend to the ground and assist the immobile airman to the rescue penetrator. Although hostile ground forces were advancing on the survivor and continuous ground fire was directed at Sergeant Lester and he successfully completed the rescue and saved the injured man from certain capture. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Lester has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.