The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Michael Keith Lewis (ASN: US-54929615), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Lewis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 May 1969, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission south of Dong Tam in Kien Hoa Province. Sergeant Lewis’ company was moving toward a woodline when they were hit by heavy automatic weapons fire, sustaining four immediate casualties. With complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Lewis moved forward across 100 meters of open fire-swept terrain to aid the wounded men. He applied first aid, then one at a time evacuated the casualties to safety, ultimately saving the lives of all four men. Sergeant Lewis’ extraordinary heroism in close combat was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
60th InfantryDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 13, 1969
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 9410 (July 9, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Michael Keith Lewis (ASN: US-54929615), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Lewis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 June 1969, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company D, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission southwest of Ben Tre. As his company moved through a heavily vegetated area, two men were wounded by the detonation of an enemy explosive trap. Sergeant Lewis courageously rushed across the hazardous area to reach and administer aid to the casualties. After treating the casualties, he started to clear an area for a medical evacuation helicopter to land, fully realizing the danger of further mines. As he worked to clear the area he was mortally wounded when a second explosive device was detonated. Sergeant Lewis’ extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.