Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander (MC)

    Batallion:

    1st Medical Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    September 24, 1969

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander (MC) David Howe Lewis (NSN: 0-633562), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Surgeon with the First Medical Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 September 1969, a Marine was admitted to the battalion’s emergency receiving area with a serious wound in his thigh. Subsequent x-rays revealed that an armed grenade launcher round was imbedded in the tissue adjacent to the bone. After directing all personnel not positively necessary to assist him as he operated to immediately leave the area, Lieutenant Commander Lewis supervised the careful removal of the wounded man to an operating room and then directed that sand bags be placed around the patient, leaving only room for himself to move while he worked with the casualty. Fully aware that the round could detonate at any moment, but concerned only for the welfare of the wounded man, Lieutenant Commander Lewis then skillfully operated on his patient and successfully extracted the projectile. His resolute determination and bold initiative inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of the Marine. By his courage, fearless action, and selfless devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions, Lieutenant Commander Lewis averted a potential disaster and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.