Lt Donald Lewis, Navy Cross: Pilot in First Battle of the Philippine Sea

Editor’s note:  Donald Lewis was born in New York City on February 17, 1917.

Lt Donald Lewis, U.S.N.

Citation: Navy Cross

War: World War II

Lieutenant Donald Lewis, United States Naval Reserve. For extraordinary heroism as a pilot of a dive bomber in bombing Squadron Ten, attached to the USS Enterprise, in action against enemy Japanese forces west of the Mariana Islands, during the first battle of the Philippine Sea, on June 20, 1944. Participating in a daring strike against the main Japanese fleet, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Lewis selected an enemy aircraft carrier as his target and, skillfully maneuvering his plane to evade fierce enemy fighter opposition, executed a dive-bombing attack of the enemy vessel and scored a direct hit, thereby severely damaging the hostile ship. By his brilliant airmanship, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Lewis contributed materially to the success our operations in the historic engagement, and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Orange County Walk of Honor by AMVETS

More about Lieutenant Donald Lewis:

• Valor Award (Military Times)

Related article:  Voice of OC to Publish Series on Veterans Memorial Plaques

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