Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. He was the son of Fred Watkins (1897–1975) and Pauline Maggie Morton Watkins (1904–1977). He received the award posthumously (presented to his parents) from Vice President Richard M. Nixon at the Marine Corps Barracks, Washington DC, on September 9, 1953 for his actions as a Staff Sergeant with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps on October 7, 1952, on the last day of the First Battle of the Hook, near Panmunjom, North Korea. Prior to serving in the United States Marine Corps, Lewis served 4 years in the United States Navy during World War II. When he came home, he completed his high school education. Following his high school graduation in 1949, he joined the Greenville Police Department in Greenville, South Carolina. The following year, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and following his recruit and combat training, he was assigned to Korea. On that day, his platoon was assigned to retake an outpost from the enemy. Although wounded in the fight, he placed automatic fire on the enemy machine gun position holding up the assault. When an enemy grenade landed among his men, he shoved them aside, picked up the grenade, and attempted to throw it back at the enemy. However, it exploded in his hand, mortally wounding him. His body was never recovered. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a guide of a rifle platoon of Company I, in action against enemy aggressor forces during the hours of darkness on the morning of 7 October 1952. With his platoon assigned the mission of retaking an outpost which had been overrun by the enemy earlier in the night, S/Sgt. Watkins skillfully led his unit in the assault up the designated hill. Although painfully wounded when a well-entrenched hostile force at the crest of the hill engaged the platoon with intense small-arms and grenade fire, he gallantly continued to lead his men. Obtaining an automatic rifle from one of the wounded men, he assisted in pinning down an enemy machine gun holding up the assault. When an enemy grenade landed among S/Sgt. Watkins and several other marines while they were moving forward through a trench on the hill crest, he immediately pushed his companions aside, placed himself in a position to shield them, and picked up the deadly missile in an attempt to throw it outside the trench. Mortally wounded when the grenade exploded in his hand, S/Sgt. Watkins, by his great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, saved the lives of several of his comrades and contributed materially to the success of the mission. His extraordinary heroism, inspiring leadership, and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." His Medal of Honor currently resides at the Patriots Hall, Oconee Veterans Museum, Walhalla, South Carolina. Also see Find a Grave Memorial ID 63484952 and 118731241.