THE WALL OF FACES

Lewis Herbert Abrams
Date of birth: August 17, 1929
Date of death: MIA: October 25, 1967
Burial location: Honolulu, HI
Place of Birth: New Jersey, Montclair
Home of record: Montclair New Jersey
Status: MIA

Lewis Abrams was listed as Missing in Action after the action that earned him the Navy Cross on October 25, 1967. His remains were recovered on June 16, 1997, and returned to the United States.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel [then Lieutenant Colonel ] Lewis Herbert Abrams (MCSN: 0-53788), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (VMA(AW)-242), First Marine Aircraft Wing, and as Pilot of an A6A Intruder aircraft in Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 25 October 1967, Colonel Abrams, in the first Marine aircraft to strike at the heart of North Vietnam's Air Force, exhibited outstanding courage and presence of mind in the midst of violent combat action as he successfully completed a high-priority mission by bombing the principal military airfield in North Vietnam. A highly effective integrated complex of hundreds of radar-controlled anti-aircraft weapons, barrage weapons with steel cables extending hundreds of feet into the air, two enemy airfields with MIG interceptor aircraft, and many active surface-to-air missile sites protected every approach to his target. Acting on an urgent fragmentary order, Colonel Abrams personally took charge of the preparations for a multi-plane, multi-squadron attack against the formidably defended Phuc Yen airfield. Barely six hours before takeoff time another fragmentary order was received, modifying the previous plan and requiring Colonel Abrams to make extensive last-minute changes in navigation and attack procedures, which allowed no margin for error. With grim determination, he promptly made corrections in heading, altitude, and airspeed and accurately delivered his bombs on the runway at Phuc Yen. Under the most demanding conditions of degraded systems operation, low-level flight in mountainous terrain in darkness, and in the face of a vicious volume of anti-aircraft and guided missile fire, Colonel Abrams courageously accomplished his mission of devastating the runway at Phuc Yen. His bravery and determination throughout the bitter action were an inspiration to all who were involved and were instrumental in accomplishing this crucial mission. By his intrepid fighting spirit, daring initiative, and unswerving devotion to duty, Colonel Abrams reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: October 25, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Colonel

Company: All Weather Attack Squadron 242 (VMA(AW)-242)

Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

Distinguished Flying Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Herbert Abrams, United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) for heroic achievement as Pilot of an A-6A Intruder while Commanding All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (VMA(AW)-242), during combat operations in Vietnam on 4 September 1967.

Action Date: September 4, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Company: All Weather Attack Squadron 242 (VMA(AW)-242)

Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

DEAR COL. ABRAMS,

I READ THAT YOUR REMAINS WERE NOT IDENTIFIED TILL JUNE 16, 1997. IT IS GOOD YOU ARE BACK HOME.

REST IN PEACE.

I have a chrome bracelet with Col Lewis H. Abrams USMC 25 Nov 67 NVN engraved on it. I bought this in the 1980's in Alabama if I remember right. It has been packed away in a stored jewelry box since about 1995 when I moved back to LA. I just came across it and was able to find out the information on this fallen soldier via internet/google. At the time I wore the bracelet I did not have internet and often wondered how would I ever find out any information. Today was very emotional for me. I would love to send this bracelet to one of Mr Abrams children or a grandchild. email: [email protected]

Dear Colonel Lewis Herbert Abrams, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter