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 Specialist Fourth Class Stanley Reed Lewter (ASN: RA-12936774), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Specialist Fourth Class Lewter distinguished himself while serving as Crew Chief aboard a UH-1D transport helicopter of the 118th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, involved in a combat assault mission. The aircraft in which he was flying was leading a formation of helicopters. As the flight neared the landing zone the order was given to open fire, and Specialist Fourth Class Lewter began to put a large volume of accurate fire upon the enemy. As the flight began the final approach, Specialist Lewter notified the Aircraft Commander that they were receiving heavy enemy fire from his side of the landing zone, and that one of the Vietnamese soldiers had been wounded in the throat. In an attempt to save the life of the soldier he gallantly pulled the wounded man into his compartment, and while still putting down a hail of defensive fire with one hand, he attempted to stop the bleeding from the wound of the Vietnamese soldier with the other, and at the same time informing the Aircraft Commander of the exact location of the enemy. As the aircraft touched down into the landing zone, Specialist Lewter was hit and knocked away from his gun. With complete disregard for his wound he continued to protect the lives of his crew by the vast volume of fire which he continued to fire at the enemy. He was directly responsible for the success of this mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.