British Paratrooper receives US Marine Corps Achievement Medal

A paratrooper has received an American military honour for “his decisive actions and calm leadership in the face of chaos” while serving alongside US Marines in Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Stephen Lewis, 2PARA, was presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a ceremony at Colchester’s Merville Barracks on Monday 31st October. LCpl Lewis, 33, was recognised for his actions during a joint patrol with US Marines on 28 March 2011, which was sent out to investigate suspicious activity at a compound in the Nahr-e-Saraj (South) area of Helmand Province.An IED exploded and injured five of the ten troops, including the patrol commander. LCpl Lewis took control of the situation, providing first aid for the casualties and organising their evacuation by helicopter, while at the same time ensuring the patrol was protected against further attack.