The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain David H. Lewis (MCSN: 0-14021), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 2 March 1945. Leading his company in a hazardous assault on a strongly-fortified hill north of Motoyama Airfield Number Three, Captain Lewis braved enemy machine-gun and mortar fire to make a detailed reconnaissance of the terrain and to place supporting tanks in the most advantageous firing positions. Employing a radio and working from an exposed observation post in close proximity to the tanks, he then directed the tanks in destroying five large-caliber Japanese guns, thus enabling his men to cross the airfield and gain a foothold on the objective with a minimum of casualties and without the loss of a single tank. Still exposed to heavy enemy fire, he skillfully directed the subsequent action of his assault units, moving from one platoon to another to contact the Platoon Leaders, until seriously wounded by hostile machine-gun fire. By his outstanding leadership and coolness under fire, Captain Lewis served as an inspiration to his men and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.