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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Spencer Steen Lewis (NSN: 0-7335), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As Chief of Staff and Aide to Vice Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, U.S. Navy, who was a major Task Force Commander in the Pacific Area during the first ten months of World War II, he took part in the actions of Marshalls and Gilberts, Salamaua and Lae, Coral Sea, Midway, Occupation of Guadalcanal and the First Battle of the Solomons. During these actions he performed his duties in an exposed battle station and was subjected to dive bombing, air torpedo and submarine torpedo attacks. His conduct and cool, efficient performance of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Lewis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Patterson

    Action Date:

    World War I

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Spencer Steen Lewis (NSN: 0-7335), United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PATTERSON, engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested with enemy submarines and mines, in escorting and protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies through these waters, and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity during World War I.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    September 1943
    Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters: Serial 1505 (March 10, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Spencer Steen Lewis (NSN: 0-7335), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Chief of Staff to a Naval Task Force Commander prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Italy in September 1943. Rear Admiral Lewis effectively coordinated the activities of the staff administrative and planning agencies during the intensive preparations for the conduct of the major assault operations. His outstanding tact and skillful application of the many complex dealings with higher and subordinate staffs of the different services participating were of inestimable assistance to the Task Force Commander in assuming his great responsibilities. Throughout the assault phase Rear Admiral Lewis’ expert advice and sound decisions, made often under extremely trying conditions, on problems effecting the vital landing and support of the invasion forces contributed materially to their early and firm establishment ashore in enemy-held territory. The extraordinary ability, admirable spirit, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Rear Admiral Lewis reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Lewis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters: Serial 2576 (October 20, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Spencer Steen Lewis (NSN: 0-7335), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to Commander Western Naval Task Force during the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily. Rear Admiral Lewis, by his armed judgment, energy and able leadership, effected efficient organization of all staff sections, coordinated planning and operations and maintained a splendid mutual cooperative spirit with all other services in the theater, thus greatly contributing to the success of the amphibious invasion of the Island of Sicily. The extraordinary ability and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Rear Admiral Lewis reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Lewis is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 1944
    Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 5062 (September 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Spencer Steen Lewis (NSN: 0-7335), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Naval Task Force prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Rear Admiral Lewis, by exercising meticulous care and skill in the development and coordination of complex plans for the invasion operations, achieved brilliant success in leading an Allied Task Force in the seaborne movement to the assault area and in the landing of assault troops, supplies, and mechanized equipment of the Allied SEVENTH Army over selected beaches on the Southern Coast of France. His able and expeditious accomplishment of this exacting mission and his efficient direction of unloading operations of succeeding convoys were contributing factors in support of the invasion forces and in sustaining the rapid advance of our ground forces into enemy held territory. The prompt attaining of the initial beachhead and the effective organization of beach maintenance activities under his aggressive and inspiring leadership enabled the landings of immediate follow-up French divisions and reinforcements to bring about the early capitulation of the vital ports of Toulon and Marseilles, thereby establishing a firm foothold which made possible the expulsion of the enemy from Southern France. The extraordinary ability, exemplary conduct under fire, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Rear Admiral Lewis reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    June 4 – 6, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 19 (July 20, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Spencer Steen Lewis (NSN: 0-7335), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN (Commander Cruisers, Pacific Fleet) during the campaign of the Battle of Midway, 4 – 6 June 1942. Through his logical planning and successful execution, Captain Lewis contributed immeasurably to the success of the engagements with the enemy. His performance of duty was outstanding and a source of inspiration to all.