The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Lewis Edward Samuels, United States Navy, for gallantry in action during World War II. When his ship, while covering landing operations on Guadalcanal on 1 February 1943, was fiercely attacked by eight dive bombers, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Samuels, although painfully injured, stood by his 20-mm. gun in the midst of flying shell fragments, and maintained fire. The attack repelled, he received medical treatment;, then, promptly returned to his battery to replenish ammunition supplies. Later, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Samuels rendered invaluable assistance to the ship’s medical officers in the care and disposition of wounded. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.