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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gary Lee Lewis (ASN: RA-16924332), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Lewis distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, on the morning of 13 September 1968 while serving as a rifleman with Company C, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On that day, Private Lewis was moving with the lead element of his unit during a company-sized sweep of an area north of Duc Lap, when the lead platoon, of which he was a member, came under intense enemy machine gun fire from an estimated company-sized enemy force. Realizing the need to destroy an enemy machine gun position whose fire had already wounded several of his comrades, Private Lewis moved out from the little cover he had, and without regard for his personal safety exposed himself again to the enemy fire in order to aid the wounded soldier and succeeded in pulling him to safety. He sustained a wound as he pulled the soldier to safety. Again, without regard for his own safety and refusing medical attention, he courageously directed others in an assault on the machine gun position. During the brief engagement, which destroyed the enemy position, Private Lewis was again wounded, this time fatally. His determination and courage under fire, and his concern for his fellow man greatly contributed to the final success of the mission. Private Lewis’ courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.