Lester J. Lynch

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lester J. Lynch (31241406), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 610th Tank Destroyer Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 15 September 1944. During a counter-attack by the enemy, one of a platoon of advancing Sherman tanks was hit and set on fire. Private Lynch left the comparative security of his dug-in position beside his tank destroyer gun and courageously went to the aid of the crew members trapped in the burning tank. He climbed into the tank and extricated two wounded and dazed men moments before the ammunition in the tank exploded. Private Lynch coolly administered first aid to the men he had rescued and then braved intense enemy sniper fire to evacuate them to an aid station. Private First Class Lynch’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.