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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Master Sergeant Lewis Q. Preston (ASN: RA-16224004), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 and 28 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On 27 July, Sergeant Preston’s platoon was pinned down by intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. After suffering numerous friendly casualties, the platoon was ordered to withdraw. Sergeant Preston voluntarily remained behind and fought a rear guard action, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. He remained in this exposed position until his platoon had safely withdrawn. The following morning he again led his platoon in the attack and continued in this manner until seriously wounded by an enemy hand grenade. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Preston reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 211 (June 22, 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 Lewis Q. Preston (ASN: RA-16224004), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Panmegi-ri, Korea. On that date, his company was attacked by a large enemy force. During the ensuing battle, Sergeant Preston exposed himself repeatedly in order to fire on the enemy with an automatic rifle. Though wounded, he continued firing and voluntarily remained behind to act as a rear guard for his unit. When he himself withdrew and came upon an aid man administering to the wounded, Sergeant Preston, though painfully wounded himself, stayed to protect the aid man and his wounded comrades until litter bearers arrived. The gallantry and devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Preston reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.