Navy Federal Credit Union

After his PT Boat was lost, John Lewis continued the defense of the Philippine Islands and, after the fall of Corregidor joined the guerrilla forces on Mindanao until he was evacuated on April 3, 1945.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Machinist’s Mate First Class

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3)

    Action Date:

    March 11 – 13, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Order No. 43 (March 15, 1942) & Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 306 (September 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Machinist’s Mate First Class John Henry Lewis, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), from 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action in a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. With marked skill and coolness, Machinist’s Mate First Class Lewis performed this mission of major strategic importance and of a most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.