Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 101 (April 28, 1945)

    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 Odell Lewis (ASN: 38475429), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 19 and 20 February 1945. When an enemy shell ignited a loaded ammunition truck, Private Lewis exposed himself to hostile fire, ran to the burning vehicle, threw off the flaming ammunition and equipment, and extinguished the fire. On another occasion, when an enemy soldier attacked his platoon’s anti-tank gun position with hand grenades, Private Lewis voluntarily left his covered location, dashed 20 yards to a position where he could see the Japanese, and killed the enemy. He then returned to his unit’s position and continued in the defense of the gun. 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 and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 5, 1945

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 237 (August 7, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Odell Lewis (ASN: 38475429), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. In Manila on 5 February 1945, an attacking infantry company suffered heavy casualties and had difficulty in withdrawing from an area swept by Japanese fire and surrounded on three sides by burning buildings. Private Lewis volunteered to go forward and assist in the rescue of the wounded. Braving the intense crossfire of enemy machine guns, he reached a wounded man and assisted in carrying him back over the same perilous route to safety. Then he again ran the gauntlet of hostile fire to help rescue another casualty. Private Lewis’ heroic action was instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow soldiers. 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.