The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Frank J. Lewis (ASN: 35530633), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division in connection with military operations against the enemy on Leyte, Philippine Islands on 4 December 1944. Private Lewis was the lead scout of a patrol advancing through enemy-infested terrain to reinforce an isolated unit. The patrol suddenly encountered a numerically superior enemy force and was pinned down by machine gun fire. From his forward position Private Lewis returned fire on the enemy with his rifle, and in turn drew the fire of all enemy weapons. In the ensuing action, Private Lewis destroyed one enemy machine gun and diverted the enemy’s fire power, enabling the patrol to successfully disengage itself from the enemy. In rendering this valuable service to his unit, Private Lewis displayed great courage and a high sense of duty which reflect great credit on himself and the military service.