The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lester A. Matte (MCSN: 294711), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a squad leader serving with the FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island, 27 December 1943. When the enemy penetrated the line near his squad’s position during a bitter engagement, Corporal Matte fearlessly pressed forward through driving rain to the point of the breakthrough in the face of devastating hostile fire to direct his men. Vigorously pressing the attack, he succeeded in bringing maximum fire to bear upon the enemy, effectively preventing the Japanese from widening the gap and disorganizing our defenses. His courageous initiative, valiant fighting spirit and outstanding devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.