The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Keith Herbert Lewis (AFSN: AF-15698881/FV-3148438), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Center Staff Chaplain, Lowry Training Center, Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado, from 5 October 1990 to 31 July 1993. During this period, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Chaplain Lewis resulted in significant contributions to the well-being and spiritual growth of Lowry personnel. Capitalizing on his vast Air Force and religious expertise, as well as his experiences as a Prisoner of War, Chaplain Lewis positively impacted the spiritual programs on base. He initiated a Prison Fellowship program for inmates, revamped the Adult Value Education and Discovery Weekend programs, enhancing the personal growth of students, and he revitalized Parish programs, dramatically increasing the involvement of families and lay people. His spiritual and moral support was absolutely superb during these difficult times of base closure and Air Force downsizing. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Chaplain Lewis culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 5, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Captain Keith Herbert Lewis (AFSN: AF-15698881/FV-3148438), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 5, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Keith Herbert Lewis (AFSN: AF-15698881/FV-3148438), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 26 August 1972. On that date, Captain Lewis flew a strike mission against a hostile staging area and training center located near the center of the most heavily defended area in North Vietnam. In spite of marginal weather and formidable hostile countermeasures, Captain Lewis’ precise ordnance delivery contributed significantly to the virtual destruction of the entire target area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lewis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Keith Herbert Lewis (AFSN: AF-15698881/FV-3148438), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 1972 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 6, 1973 – March 29, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Keith Herbert Lewis (AFSN: AF-15698881/FV-3148438), United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 6 February 1973 to 29 March 1973. With complete disregard for his own safety and personal welfare in a period of severe enemy harassment, he voluntarily took complete care of a seriously wounded fellow prisoner who was not receiving any treatment from the North Vietnamese. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Keith Herbert Lewis (AFSN: AF-15698881/FV-3148438), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in South Vietnam on 28 February 1966. On that date, a friendly force was surrounded and under attack by a large hostile force. With complete disregard for his personal safety Lieutenant Lewis flew through heavy automatic weapons fire to deliver his ordnance, thereby affecting the relief of the friendly troops. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lewis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.