Lewis or Louis Crispin was the son of James and Sarah Jane Crispin (née Powisland) of South Pool, nr. Kingsbridge. He was born in South Pool in the June Quarter of 1888; his mother died early in 1891. His Military Medal was gazetted 27 October 1916 but detailed information about; this award is no longer available. News of the DCM was published in The Western Times of December 14th 1917 and the report stated that he had, by that time, been wounded and invalided home to a hospital in the UK. He married Annie Edwards early in 1918.

From The London Gazette

22 October 1917

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of battalion signallers. He took command of the signallers when his officer had become a casualty, and showed the utmost coolness and determination in laying lines under extremely heavy fire. He personally laid ten lines, all of which were smashed by shell fire, but with a total disregard of danger, he supervised the repairs, organised relay posts, and worked unceasingly for thirty-six hours under an intense bombardment. He displayed remarkable initiative and set a splendid example to the men under his command."