GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 378  4 Sept 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named enlisted officer:

Major LEWIS A. FLETCHER, 0377794, Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. Throughout the afternoon and evening of 27 July 1953, in the vicinity of Pong-Dong, Korea, Headquarters and Headquarters Company was subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage. With complete disregard for his personal safety Major FLETCH, serving as Battalion Commander, moved through the impact area, making sure that all of his men were entrenched and properly protected against the heavy fire. With the arrival of casualties at the 1st Battalion Aid Station, he rushed across the open terrain to offer his assistance and to give words of encouragement to those who had fallen. Defying enemy fire, Major FLETCHER was the first person to aid and assist a wounded officer within his command. Major FLETCHER'S outstanding performance of duty during the course of the shelling displayed exceptional courage, aggressiveness, and determination, maintaining the high morale of the unit during a critical period. Major FLETCHER'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from North Carolina.

 Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.