The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Edward Wesley Lewis, Jr. (ASN: RA-36797353), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 9 December 1952, a platoon of Company C, 1st Battalion, of which Sergeant Lewis was platoon sergeant, was assigned the mission of assaulting an enemy-held hill in the vicinity of Mundae, Korea, and placing an air panel upon its crest. While en route to their objective, the platoon was subjected to an ambush by hostile forces who inflicted many friendly casualties. When the platoon leader was seriously wounded, Sergeant Lewis immediately took charge and organized an effective base of fire which enabled the platoon to silence much of the hostile fire. Although Sergeant Lewis suffered serious wounds, he continued to expose himself, assisting in bringing the wounded to positions of safety. While engaged in this capacity, he was mortally wounded. As a result of his action, his platoon was able to partially silence the hostile fire and several of the wounded were evacuated. Sergeant Lewis’ outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.