The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Armor) Lewis Edward Beasley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Beasley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of a Troop in the 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against the enemy in 1967. Major Beasley led his troop on a mission to destroy a command post of the North Vietnamese Army. Approaching a village suspected of harboring enemy troops, the aircraft came under intense fire from several huts. Major Beasley at once began a series of low level passes at the buildings, bringing them under machine gun and rocket fire. The insurgents were routed from the village, leaving behind 33 dead. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Beasley, 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.