Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

Company A, 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division "Pathfinder", U.S. Army (Company A, 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division "Golden Arrow", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert G. Lewis (ASN: 0-1325759), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 August 1944, in France. While moving to new positions along an extended front, Second Lieutenant Lewis, with sixteen men remaining in his platoon after two days of aggressive action, encountered heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire sealing a gap in a high hedgerow, halting the advance. Displaying great courage, he led his men through the opening and was severely wounded by a burst of machine gun fire. Despite his wounds, he fearlessly dragged two men to safety behind the hedgerow and ordered the balance of the group to proceed through the opening under his covering fire. Upon returning to the head of his platoon, he was again wounded when a mortar shell landed near him. Refusing evacuation, he continued to lead his platoon forward until it had seized its objective. Second Lieutenant Lewis' inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 100 (23 December 1944).
For action performed on 26 August 1944, near Brest/Finistère département, Brittany, France.