The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Lance Corporal] Lanny Keith Lewin (MCSN: 2337311), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Battery B, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 22 October 1968, Corporal Lewin was serving as an Artillery Scout Observer with Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines at a company patrol base approximately five miles south of DaNang. Shortly before midnight, the base was assaulted on two sides by a large enemy force, and several Marines in forward fighting positions were wounded. Disregarding his own safety, Corporal Lewin unhesitatingly left his bunker and, accompanied by another Marine, began to maneuver across the fire-swept terrain to assist the casualties. When his companion was wounded, he carried the injured man to an observation bunker and, after rendering first aid, fearlessly continued to move forward until he reached the wounded Marines. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire, he assisted in evacuating the casualties and, on one occasion, shielded an injured comrade with his own body to protect him from artillery fire. After directing Marines to the unoccupied fighting emplacements to strengthen the defensive perimeter, Corporal Lewin returned to the observation post and assisted in coordinating and directing supporting fires against the hostile soldiers. His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Lewin upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.