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 Lester A. Marks (ASN: 6143340), United States Army, for gallantry in action at Le Muy, France, on 16 August 1944. Upon seeing that his Company Commander and Platoon Sergeant were pinned to the ground in an exposed position by enemy fire directed from a prepared position until then undiscovered, Private First Class Marks, acting on his own initiative and with complete disregard for his own safety, ran up an outside flight of stairs on a nearby building to a position from which he could fire down into the enemy position. While under continuous enemy fire, using only his rifle, Private First Class Marks succeeded in wounding the enemy officer who then ordered his entire detachment of fifteen men to surrender. Private First Class Marks’ prompt and skillful action was an inspiration to the men of his company and a decisive factor in the complete demoralization of the enemy forces holding this village. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.