The President of the United States in the name of The Congress
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

HOSPITAL APPRENTICE FIRST CLASS
FRED F. LESTER
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Medical Corpsman with the 1st Battalion, 22th Marines, 6th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyn Chain on 8 June 1945. Quick to spot a wounded Marine lying in an open field beyond the front lines following the relentless assault against a strategic Japanese hill position, Petty Officer Lester unhesitatingly crawled toward the casualty under a concentrated barrage from hostile machineguns, rifles, and grenades. Torn by enemy rifle bullets as he inched forward, he exerted tremendous effort and succeded in pulling his comrade to safety where, too seriously wounded himself to administer aid, he instructed two of his squad in proper medical treatment for the rescued Marine. Realizing that his own wounds were fatal, he staunchly refused medical attention for himself and, gathering his fast-waning strength with calm determination, cooly and expertly diverted his men in the treatment of two other wounded Marines, succumbing shortly thereafter. Completely selfless in his concern for the welfare of his comrades, Petty Officer Lester, by his indomitable spirit, outstanding valor, and competent direction of others, had saved the life of one who otherwise must have perished and had contributed to the safety of countless others. Petty Officer Lester's fortitude in the face of certain death sustains and enhances the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.