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 Lambert N. West (ASN: 13097029), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 20 February 1945, at Forbach, France. When the advance of attacking rifle troops was suddenly halted by heavy enemy automatic weapons and sniper fire from concealed positions, Private First Class West, with the assistance of a comrade, courageously set up his heavy machine gun in an exposed position and boldly opened fire on the enemy positions. Ordering his comrade back to safety, he so harassed the enemy with heavy fire that the riflemen were able to take safe cover for a renewed assault upon the enemy. Further endangering his life, he then assisted a wounded rifleman to safety, returning later to recover his weapon. His prompt and gallant action prevented many casualties and permitted the troops to regroup at a moment when disorganization seemed imminent.