The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Lewis W. Purdy (ASN; 35217818), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 2 April 1945 in Germany. During the course of an assault on Kassel, Germany, on 2 April 1945, Private Purdy and two companions were assigned the task of checking a wooden building to the flank of the company’s route of advance. As they approached the building they were fired on from a second story window. Disregarding the intense fire Private Purdy assaulted the building, firing his rifle as he ran, and, when within five yards of the building, hurled a hand grenade through a window killing one and wounding another enemy machine gunner. Entering the building, he fought his way to the second floor, killing one and capturing three more of the enemy. His courageous aggressiveness, initiative, and devotion to duty eliminated a dangerous enemy strongpoint and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.