The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Lester T. Snow (ASN: 20833754), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 189th Field Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 September 1943, southeast of Persano, Italy. The enemy was conducting a determined counterattack and the Battalion Commander and Battalion Executive Officer had crossed the river, which ran in front of the battalion positions, to gain better observation for adjusting the fire of the battalion on some rapidly approaching enemy armored vehicles, but had just crossed the river when they were fired upon by rifles and machine guns. Staff Sergeant Snow, upon seeing the desperate situation the two officers were in, immediately and without regard for his own personal safety, chose an open position on top of a hill overlooking the enemy positions, and while exposed to enemy fire, set up a .50 caliber machine gun and swept the terrain beneath with machine gun fire, keeping the enemy forces close to the ground and allowing the Battalion Commander and the Battalion Executive Officer to withdraw back across the river. Staff Sergeant Snow drew the fire of the enemy until the two officers had successfully recrossed the river. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Snow, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.