Lewis Kenneth Bausell was born on April 17, 1924 in Pulaski, Pulaski County, Virginia. He enlisted in the Marines Corps for a four-year period after the Japanese Imperial Navy attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, and served as a Corporal in the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery and sacrifice on Peleliu Island in the Palau Island Group on September 15, 1944. His citation reads “Valiantly placing himself at the head of his squad, Cpl. Bausell led the charge forward against a hostile pillbox which was covering a vital sector of the beach and, as the first to reach the emplacement, immediately started firing his automatic into the aperture while the remainder of his men closed in on the enemy. Swift to act, as a Japanese grenade was hurled into their midst, Cpl. Bausell threw himself on the deadly weapon, taking the full blast of the explosion and sacrificing his own life to save his men. His unwavering loyalty and inspiring courage reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Bausell and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Evacuated to a hospital ship, Corporal Bausell died of his wounds three days later and was buried at sea. He is the only enlisted Marine from the Nation's capital, Washington, D.C. to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II." The "Gearing"-class United States Navy destroyer "USS Bausell" (DD-845) was named in his honor.

Source of information: Bio by John "J-Cat" Griffith, www.findagrave.com