The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Rodger Dale Lewis (ASN: US-56396625), United States Army, for exceptionally valorous action in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 26 February 1967 while assigned to Troop B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Lewis was serving as a machine gunner of an armored cavalry assault vehicle that was part of a relief force attempting to reach another armored cavalry platoon which was under enemy attack. As the relief column made contact with the enemy, Specialist Lewis’ track immediately began to receive intense hostile fire. As the vehicle maneuvered to return the fire, an enemy rocket pierced the cupola fatally wounding the Track Commander and seriously injuring Specialist Lewis. Ignoring his own wounds, Specialist Lewis continued to deliver a rapid and accurate rate of fire on the enemy positions. Seeing the distress of the Track Commander, he left the relative safety of his position in the armored vehicle and, fully exposed, went to his aid. While attempting to pull him from the cupola, Specialist Lewis became the target for enemy snipers. Refusing to seek cover, he persisted in his valiant efforts until the enemy detonated a claymore mine nearby which fatally wounded him. Remaining conscious until the evacuation, Specialist Lewis’ only concern was for his wounded comrade. Specialist Lewis’ rare courage and unwavering devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.