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 First Class Jack D. Lewis (ASN: 6944481), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When directed to give covering fire for a rifle platoon of his company on 9 February 1945, Private Lewis set up his machine gun on the Paco railroad tracks and immediately opened fire, killing two and wounding the remaining three of five enemy soldiers who were bringing forward a heavy machine gun. Shortly afterwards he killed two more Japanese who were carrying another heavy machine gun. With a third accurate burst, Private Lewis killed another enemy soldier and drove back other Japanese who tried to man the gun. When a concealed enemy light machine sun wounded one of his assistant gunners, Private Lewis ordered the others to take cover while he courageously remained at the gun alone. On one occasion the gun was knocked over by enemy fire, but he quickly set it up again and, although mortar, machine gun and rifle fire harassed him, he refused to withdraw until ordered to do so at nightfall. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.