The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Lewis M. Sanders, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, SEVENTH Air Force, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. During the surprise attack by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941, First Lieutenant Sanders took off with one flight for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first securing information as to the number or type of attacking Japanese aircraft. He proceeded to patrol the vicinity of Bellows Field, where he engaged six enemy planes. Although greatly outnumbered he succeeded in shooting down one enemy aircraft. First Lieutenant Sanders’ initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, and expert maneuvering of his plane, contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Sanders, 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 Army Air Forces.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Lewis M. Sanders (ASN: 0-360240), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, SEVENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Sanders, 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 Army Air Forces.