Private John Lewis
Unit : 1st Parachute Battalion
Army No. : 4032087
Awards : Military Medal
At the Ponte Primasole on the Simeto River on 14th July 1943 Private Lewis was "number one" of a medium machine gun. In order to command a good field of fire Private Lewis had to mount his gun in a most exposed position within two hundred yards of very strong German positions. Quite undisturbed by heavy small arms and mortar fire, Private Lewis dominated the sector by the accuracy of his fire. He inflicted very heavy casualties on the enemy and broke up two enemy preparations for counter attacks on our weak and tired forces on the bridge.
When the Battalion finally withdrew, Private Lewis covered the withdrawal and was one of the last to leave the area. He undoubtedly prevented the enemy from harassing the Battalion's withdrawal.