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 G. Reichert (ASN: 0-1997788), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 24 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. The platoon commanded by First Lieutenant Reichert was attacked by a strong enemy force as it moved through a deep wooded valley. First Lieutenant Reichert immediately deployed his platoon and led it forward under heavy machine gun fire to engage the enemy. When further advance became impracticable, he advanced alone, located the enemy machine gun, killed three of the crew with his rifle and routed the remaining members. First Lieutenant Reichert’s prompt, cool and courageous action reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.