The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lester W. Pollom (ASN: 0-370352), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 10 June 1944, one mile from Chef du Pont, France. First Lieutenant Pollom, with two enlisted men, volunteered and made his way from Hill 30 to Chef Du Pont under heavy enemy small arms fire in order to secure blood plasma vitally needed by the Battalion Aid Station. First Lieutenant Pollom crossed approximately 800 yards of open marsh and swam the Merderet River each way in order to accomplish the mission. During this time he was constantly under enemy observation and fire. Lieutenant Pollom’s heroic and unselfish actions contributed greatly toward the prevention of loss of life and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.