Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 292 (July 13, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Douglas L. Lewis (ASN: ER-16307111), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 June 1951, in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. His company was attacking well-entrenched enemy positions on Hill 451. Sergeant Lewis, assistant platoon sergeant, was leading two squads in the attack when well concealed enemy snipers opened fire and pinned down the assault squads. Disregarding intense enemy fire he crawled forward to a point where he could determine the location of the enemy. Upon locating the enemy positions, he moved to an advantageous point from which he could lay down a base of fire with his rifle. His deadly fire killed one of the snipers on top of the ridge, but another sniper was located in a bunker and could not be dislodged by small arms fire. The sniper occupying the bunker observed the death of his comrade and opened fire with an automatic weapon on Sergeant Lewis. With complete disregard for personal safety, he crawled to the edge of the enemy position and disregarding the deadly enemy fire, he threw a grenade into the bunker killing the enemy soldier. This enabled the two assault squads to advance to their objective. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Lewis reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.