The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Thomas Edward Lewis (ASN: 0-15020), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Artillery Officer, FIFTH Army, in action against the enemy in Italy, in January 1944. Brigadier General Lewis made a daring reconnaissance flight to discover suitable landing fields in the Anzio beachhead area. He flew over a 90-mile strip of enemy territory in a slow, unarmed, and unarmored observation airplane, underwent bombing and strafing by six German planes, and gained valuable information for later landings. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Brigadier General Lewis, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.