The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technician Fifth Grade Lester R. Pinter (ASN: 36376168), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate), in action against the enemy on 24 February 1945. On the night of 24 February, Corporal Pinter was attached to Company A which was under heavy enemy counterattack and one platoon was receiving intense enemy mortar fire. After having been warned that to move around was almost suicide, Corporal Pinter, with utter disregard for his own life, crawled through this mortar barrage and fire from his own men to give first aid to the wounded in this platoon. He remained in the mortar blasted area all night administering to the wounded. Corporal Pinter’s unselfish devotion to duty, exercise of his skill and knowledge and disregard for his own safety contributed materially to saving the life of some of these men. Corporal Pinter was killed in action two days later while on patrol with another platoon, a task for which he volunteered. 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 and the United States Army.