Odell Lewis

Private 1st Class, U. S. Army

Silver Stars

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 101 (1945)
CITATION:
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: 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 First Class Odell Lewis (ASN: 38475429), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.
His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 237 (August 7, 1945)
CITATION:
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 Private First Class Odell Lewis (ASN: 38475429), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.
In Manila on 5 February 1945, an attacking infantry company suffered heavy casualties and had difficulty in withdrawing from an area swept by Japanese fire and surrounded on three sides by burning buildings. Private Lewis volunteered to go forward and assist in the rescue of the wounded. Braving the intense crossfire of enemy machine guns, he reached a wounded man and assisted in carrying him back over the same perilous route to safety. Then he again ran the gauntlet of hostile fire to help rescue another casualty. Private Lewis' heroic action was instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow soldiers.
His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.