James R. Lewis a/k/a James Robert “Jimmie” Lewis (1920-1945), son of Thomas Charles Lewis (1899-1940) and Mary Ethel Dunn Lewis (1901-1995). Husband of Clara Louise Bivens Lewis (1922-1948).
He served as a Fireman Second Class aboard the cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35). After delivering the components for the atomic bomb to Tinian Island, his ship was torpedoed and sunk July 30, 1945. He was lost at sea with 879 fellow crewmen.
Memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery, Philippines.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel, August 17, 1945
James Robert Lewis, fireman second class, is missing in action after the sinking of the Indianapolis, his mother, Mrs. Luther Herrod, has been notified by the War Department. Mr. Lewis, 24, graduated from Etowah High School in 1940. He was star center on Etowah’s Pile Drivers. He has a 4-year-old son.
- Rank: Fireman Second Class
- Date of birth: 18 May 1920
- Date of death: 30 July 1945
- County: McMinn
- Hometown: Etowah
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: USS Indianapolis (CA-35)
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XV, Middle Panel
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