Cecil Graham Lewis
"Graham"
Marine Corps Reserve | Service Number 343259
January 27, 1921
in Bumpus Mills, TN
William Joseph “Joe” Lewis
Virginia Mavis (Wallace) Lewis
Details unknown
Family farm
December 29, 1941
at Nashville, TN
November 20, 1942
from HQ Battalion, Parris Island
February 2, 1944
Killed in action at Namur
February 2, 1944
Killed in action
General Delivery, Bumpus Mills, TN – home of parents, Joe & Virginia Lewis
Service & Campaigns
Boot camp at Parris Island with Sixth and Fifth Recruit Battalions. Outposted to Recruit Depot HQ as assistant to Police Sergeant, Fifth Recruit Battalion.
Transferred to New River, NC to join Able Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced).
Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: PFC
MOS: 745 (Rifleman)
Important Events:
February 1, 1944 – Took over fire team when PFC William J. Quinn wounded and evacuated.
Slightly wounded in action (shrapnel, face); not evacuated.
February 2, 1944 – killed in action (gunshot wounds, chest).
Individual Decorations
Medal
Purple Heart
Campaign
Namur (Feb. 2, 1944)
Citation
Service Stories
“My new squad leader, Corporal [sic] Cecil Lewis, was taken out by a sniper. I lost two squad leaders in one morning.”
Condolence Letters
published in the Stewart County Times, 25 May 1944
9 February 1944
My dear Mr. Lewis:
The Navy Department has notified you of the death of your son, Cecil, who was a member of the company I commanded at Namur. I want to extend my condolence to you and your family.
Your son was a member of "A" Company when it was formed late in 1942. His loss has been felt by the entire company.
I saw Cecil on the afternoon of February 1, as we were attacking around the right flank. He was about 20 yards from me when some small pieces of shrapnel hit him. I asked him if he wanted to go to the rear for treatment and, with true Marine fighting spirit, he replied that he wanted to go on fighting with his platoon. The following morning, he was hit by what appeared to be Jap machine gun fire. He died instantly.
Your son Cecil was buried the following day on a strip of sand between Roi and Namur Islands, over which flies the Stars and Stripes. He was buried with full military honors and the rites of his Church.
I informed another of your Marine sons of Cecil's death when he came over to the company command post to see his brother. He was given Cecil's wallet at the time. All other personal belongings will be sent to you in the near future.
Mr. Lewis, I want you to know that your son's spirit hovers over the company as a guiding light. When this company again attacks the Japs, you can be certain that Cecil's death will be avenged a thousandfold.
If you desire any information whatever about your son, or the company, do feel free to write me at any time.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lewis,
Your son, a member of my platoon, was a fine Marine and one that could be depended upon to do his part, and more, in any situation.
He was slightly wounded on Namur Island on the afternoon of February 1, by a piece of shrapnel in the upper lip. At this time he refused to go to the rear to receive treatment. He preferred to stay with his buddies and fight.
He was killed by enemy machine gun fire on the morning of February 2. I was only a few yards from him at the time, and he died like a true Marine, fighting! You have every reason in the world to be very proud of him.
Please do not feel that your son died in vain. He did not. He died fighting for a cause that he sincerely believed in, one that he knew was right. He is now buried on the strip of sand between Roi and Namur Islands. His grave is marked by a white marker bearing the Marine Corps emblem.
His brother was ashore a few days after the fight was over and at that time your son's billfold was given to him. He may have written you about that.
Cecil had a great many friends in both the platoon and company, and his loss is felt by all of us. The next time we are in combat, his memory will be an added driving force.
If at any time I can be of any service to you whatsoever, please feel free to call upon me.
Marine Pfc Cecil Lewis, you will forever be a hero, and will remain forever YOUNG. May you R. I. P.
PFC Cecil Graham Lewis is my grandma’s brother and the family always called him Graham, not Cecil. He was KIA just before my dad turned 4 years old. My dad’s baby pictures was the wallet he was carrying when he was killed. My brother has the wallet. I know he’s at Pauline Point, but there’s a grave in the community cemetery in his hometown… Bumpus Mils, Tennessee.