Briefing Document: James Dallas Lewis, Jr.

Subject: Biographical Summary and Military Service of James Dallas Lewis, Jr.

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpt from a pasted text detailing the life of James Dallas Lewis, Jr.

Executive Summary:

This document provides a concise overview of the life of James Dallas Lewis, Jr., from his birth in 1921 to his death in action in 1945. It details his family background, early life in Texas, education, marriage, military service during World War II, and his eventual reinterment. This individual's story is a poignant example of an American life impacted by global conflict.

Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Family:

Birth and Parentage: James Dallas Lewis, Jr., was born on July 8, 1921, in Winchell, Brown County, Texas. His parents were Bertha Mae Minyard (born 1894) and James Dallas Lewis (born 1891).

Family Location: The provided information traces the family's location through census records: living in Pct 5 Brown County in 1920 (James Jr., age 9), living in Winchell, Brown County in 1935, and living in Pct 1 Brown County in 1940 (James Jr., age 18). He had two sisters.

Education: He graduated from Brookesmith High School and attended Daniel Baker College in Brownwood.

Marriage and Family:

Marriage: James Dallas Lewis, Jr., married Ila Nell Daniel (born 1922).

Daughter: They had a daughter born on December 7, 1941, the same day as the Pearl Harbor attack. This date emphasizes a life event concurrent with a pivotal moment in American history.

Military Service:

Draft Registration: Registered for the draft on February 16, 1942 in Brownwood, while living in Bangs and working in Fort Worth. His mother was listed as his next of kin.

Enlistment: Enlisted from civilian life into the US Army as a private at Dallas, Texas, on October 13, 1944. His Army Serial Number was asn-38636375. He was described as a married white male born in Texas, residing in Brown County, and working as a radio operator with three years of college education.

Unit: Served as Private in the 172nd Infantry Regiment of the 43rd Infantry Division.

Location and Death: He was fighting in Luzon Island, Philippines, against Japanese forces on the Shimbu Line in the Bulacan area near the Ipo Dam. He was killed in action on May 17, 1945. The specific battle location highlights the geographical range of the Pacific Theater of WWII.

Post-Mortem:

Initial Burial: Pvt. Lewis was initially buried in a temporary grave in the Philippines.

Repatriation and Reburial: His remains were repatriated to the United States in 1948 and reinterred in the Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood, Texas, on October 30, 1948.

Key Quotes:

"James Dallas Lewis, Jr. ... born 8 July 1921...".

"Married Miss Ila Nell Daniel... they have a daughter born the same day Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japs, 7 December 1941."

"Registered for the draft in Brownwood, Brown County, Texas on 16 February 1942...he listed his mother of Brownwood as his next of kin contact."

"Private James D. Lewis Jr. 38636375 US Army 172nd Infantry Regiment 43rd Infantry Division was at Luzon Island, Philippines... when he was killed in action on 17 May 1945."

"His remains were repatriated to America in 1948 and reinterred in the Greenleaf Cemetery at Brownwood, Brown County, Texas on 30 October 1948."

Analysis and Significance:

James Dallas Lewis, Jr.'s life story is a microcosm of the experiences of many Americans during World War II. The timeline of his life is marked by significant national events: the Great Depression (as suggested by his early life in the 1930s), the attack on Pearl Harbor, and America's involvement in the Pacific Theater of WWII. He transitioned from a young man with a life in Texas to a soldier fighting and ultimately dying overseas. His story underscores the personal sacrifices made during wartime. His repatriation and reburial serve as a reminder of the efforts made to honor the war dead. The fact his daughter was born on the same day as the Pearl Harbor attack adds a significant historical layer to the biographical narrative and highlights the intertwined nature of personal lives and historical moments.