The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class William Lewis, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 13 January 1943, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Without concern for his own personal safety, Private Lewis charged directly at an enemy machine gun position, firing his automatic rifle as he advanced. The recoil of his weapon caused Private Lewis to lose balance and fall backward down a hill. He recovered his automatic rifle and again advanced on the enemy position. This time he reached his objective and silenced the machine gun. Through this action, Private Lewis accounted for a total of seven of the enemy. Private First Class Lewis’ extraordinary heroism, 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 and the United States Army.