The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Lester L. Bagwell (ASN: 15042906), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 68th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany during the period 28 July 1944 to 8 May 1945. As a tank driver, he displayed outstanding coolness, aggressiveness and great skill. On one occasion in the vicinity of Obr-Molbrich, Germany on 30 March 1945, his tank was sent forward to reinforce a bridgehead but while crossing the bridge, he encountered heavy anti-tank fire which stunned his tank commander and disabled the lead tank. He steered his tank around the stalled vehicle and in the face of the enemy fire successfully crossed the bridge. His great courage, dependability and leadership reflect great courage upon himself and the armed forces.