The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Lester Knight (MCSN: 479701), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Automatic Rifleman serving with the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Alternately delivering extremely effective rifle fire and throwing countless hand grenades, Private First Class Knight inflicted heavy casualties among the Japanese troops and staunchly maintained his central position on our lines against three desperate hostile counterattacks. Subsequently, when his comrades on either side of him were killed or wounded, he strongly increased his heroic efforts and succeeded in saving the lines from a Japanese penetration and, although mortally wounded during the fierce action, steadfastly refused evacuation and directed his last energy against the enemy. Private First Class Knight’s indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.