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Lewis, Roger Erwin

Date of birth:
April 28th, 1928 (Auburn/New York, United States)
Date of death:
September 15th, 2010
Service number:
RA/ER12246761
Nationality:
American

Biography

Mr. Lewis was born in Auburn, the son of the late Edwin and Jessie Palmer Lewis, and resided in Union Springs for most of his life. He was a graduate of Union Springs Central School and the Auburn Business School. He served in the U.S. Army during W.W. II and later was called back to active service during the Korean War, where he was awarded the Silver Star. Corporal Roger E. Lewis distinguished himself by gallantry and action near Sindok, Korea, when his platoon was pinned down by hostile fire. Corporal Lewis single-handedly attacked a bunker with complete disregard for his personal safety and through this action allowed his platoon to advance and capture their objectives.

He owned and operated Seneca Office Supply and Finger Lakes Office Supply, retiring in 1995. Prior to that he was employed at the Beacon Milling Company and Guaranteed Parts. Mr. Lewis was an avid fly fisherman and golfer. He was a 50-year member of Warren Lodge No. 147 F&AM.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Private 1st Class
Awarded on:
December 11th, 1947
Honorable Service Lapel Button / Honorable Discharge Emblem
Period:
Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:
Corporal
Unit:
31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division "Bayonet", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
March 14th, 1951

PAR 14 SO 37 HW 31ST INF REGT
Combat Infantryman Badge
Period:
Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:
Corporal
Unit:
31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division "Bayonet", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
August 5th, 1951
"Corporal ROGER E. LEWIS distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Sindok, Korea, on 4 June 1951. On this date, Corporal LEWIS's platoon was attacking a heavily defended enemy-held hill when the group was pinned down by intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Observing the fire was being placed on them from a bunker, Corporal LEWIS, with complete disregard for his personal safety, charged up the hill firing his automatic weapon at a rapid rate. Reaching the emplacement, his BAR failed to fire, Corporal LEWIS then used his pistol and grenades to kill the occupants of the bunker. The intrepid and prompt action of Corporal LEWIS allowed his platoon to advance and capture its objective with negligible casualties. The gallantry displayed by Corporal LEWIS reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered the military service from the State of New York."

GO 382, Hq 7th Inf Div, APO 7
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Private 1st Class
Army of Occupation Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Unit:
31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division "Bayonet", U.S. Army

With three bronze stars
Korean Service Medal (KSM)

Sources

  • Photo 1: Deborah J. Lewis
  • - Army papers
    - Obituary, published in Finger Lakes Times

Photo