Technical Sergeant William E. Lester distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 21 March 1970.  On that date, Sergeant Lester attempted to rescue an American airman downed in heavily fortified hostile territory.  Early in the rescue attempt, Sergeant Lester was wounded by hostile fire, but remained in his unprotected position and continued to search for the injured survivor.  As the hostile force gunners scored direct hits on the aircraft with increasing accuracy and frequency, Sergeant Lester was again wounded.  Only after his aircraft was forced to withdraw in order to avoid certain destruction did Sergeant Lester leave his vulnerable position to attend to his wounds.  By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Lester has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.