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 L. Mickens (ASN: 32778735), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. When his platoon was subjected to intense enemy machine gun fire during the attack against Mount Pacawagan on 21 April 1945, Private Mickens was given the assignment of scouting the right flank to determine the proximity of the enemy. Because of the terrain, which consisted of many blind draws and depressions, the mission was extremely hazardous. However, Private Mickens moved boldly and aggressively forward. He had progressed about 30 yards when a hostile machine gun fired on him, seriously wounding his right ankle. Despite his injury, Private Mickens crawled forward until he accurately located the Japanese pillbox. Then, with complete disregard for his personal safety, he stood up and fired pointblank into the hostile emplacement, designating the pillbox to his squad leader and enabling his platoon to reduce the strongpoint with concentrated fire. Private Mickens remained with his unit and decline evacuation until the successful accomplishment of his platoon’s mission. 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.