The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Frederick Earl Lewis (MCSN: 0-81635), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron ELEVEN, Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 27 December 1969, Major Lewis launched as Pilot of an A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned the mission of conducting reconnaissance over enemy-controlled territory and, as he maneuvered low over suspected hostile positions, his aircraft was extensively damaged by a heavy volume of anti-aircraft fire. With his aircraft’s vital systems inoperable, he was unable to control the spiraling aircraft and, quickly apprising the copilot of the critical situation, activated the ejection mechanism. As the copilot left the aircraft, he suffered a dislocated knee and, upon reaching the ground, was barely able to drag himself to a covered location in the tall elephant grass. Coming down one hundred meters from his copilot, Major Lewis quickly concealed himself in the grass and, utilizing his survival radio, transmitted both his and his copilot’s positions and a request for assistance. When supporting aircraft arrived overhead, he skillfully guided them toward the anti-aircraft guns which he could hear firing in the vicinity. Subsequently, it became apparent that extraction would be impossible that night and he was advised to escape from the hazardous area by a safe route to the west. Unwilling to leave his helpless companion behind, Major Lewis sought sanctuary in an abandoned gun emplacement and, throughout the night, maintained complete silence as enemy soldiers deployed through the area, seeking to harass him into revealing his position. At first light, supporting aircraft again appeared overhead and advised him of the location of his copilot. Although fully aware of the possibility of detection and capture, Major Lewis nevertheless fearlessly crawled across the hazardous terrain to the side of his stricken comrade and, after rendering first aid again utilized his radio to pinpoint the hostile gun positions for the supporting aircraft. On one occasion, he boldly moved from his covered position to retrieve the copilot’s parachute which he had used to mark their location. Throughout the day, he continued skillfully to transmit guidance and directions to pilots which enabled them to silence a sufficient number of anti-aircraft guns to permit a safe extraction. His heroic and determined actions were an inspiration to all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, valiant initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Major Lewis upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.