The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Wilbur F. Lewis (ASN: 0-2017874), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France. When heavy machine gun and shell fire halted his platoon short of a German road block in the vicinity of Besancon, France, the morning of 9 September 1944, Second Lieutenant Lewis crawled 35 yards forward to within 75 yards of the hostile position. Shells exploded within 25 yards of him and grazing machine gun fire narrowly missed him. He killed two enemy riflemen and fired his M-1 rifle with such intensity that his platoon was able to withdraw to more advantageous positions and evacuate four wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Lewis, 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.