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 Captain (Infantry) Lansing Tim Hewitt, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Hewitt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with the 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 February 1968. When his unit came under intense enemy fire and two men were wounded and lay exposed in the enemy kill zone, Captain Hewitt, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved to a forward position and personally directed the fire of his men to cover the extraction of the wounded. Captain Hewitt then moved into an exposed position to draw fire from the enemy position and direct artillery and helicopter gunship fire in on the enemy positions. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hewitt, 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.