In 1945, a combined assault team of the Navy, Marines and airborne troopers hit the island of Luzon in the Philippines. On the third day of the mission, Lewes’ unit climbed a hilly part of the island and was caught in an ambush that left Lewis partially paralyzed as he hid under two wounded bodies.

He was rescued and airlifted back to New Guinea, ending up on board the Army ship Marigold, a hospital ship that took him back to the United States. Lewis later received a medical discharge.

It wasn’t until 64 years later that he received half a dozen metals for his bravery on Luzon.

After Jymayce Wescott, Sussex County director of constituent relations for Sen. Tom Carper, did some research, she was able to obtain the medals for Lewis. Wescott served in Philippines, as did Carper.

Lewis was joined by his wife, Doris, for an Oct. 23 ceremony in the Georgetown office of Sen. Tom Carper. Lewis said the delay in receiving his medals began when all his records were destroyed by fire in a 1952.

“I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my wife and I, to thank Sen. Carper, members of his staff, and especially Mrs. Wescott, for the reception in his Georgetown office this past Friday. It brought back many memories of my days in the service so many years ago. I’m looking forward to getting the pictures of the event to share with my family, as I relayed the event to them by phone. They were excited. May God bless all of you,” said Lewis.

Doris and Thomas shared their history with Carper prior to the ceremony.

The couple met at Wilmington High School and have been married for 65 years. It wasn’t the first time Lewis met Carper, either.

In the 1950s, Lewis was former chairman of the Brandywine 100 Democratic Party – long before Carper even considered running for office, he said.

Lewis was elected mayor of Henlopen Acres in 1992 and as mayor he again crossed paths with Carper. Lewis welcomed then-Gov. Carper to the town as Carper led a group of senior citizens through Henlopen Acres. Lewis was also honored by the town of Henlopen Acres, which named the rebuilt town marina after him.

Carper and Wescott recently presented Lewis with a Bronze Star, a Pacific Campaign ribbon, three battle stars and a good conduct medal.

“It was an honor to meet Mr. Lewis and his wife, Doris, on Friday. Mr. Lewis came to our office seeking assistance in obtaining replacement medals that he was awarded for his service in the Army. Not only were we able to help get replacement medals for his service, but because of his extraordinary service, we were able to have Mr. Lewis properly awarded the Bronze Star, which he did not previously possess. Like all veterans, he selflessly gave of himself and I was so proud to meet him,” said Carper.