Pvt. Robert “Lee” Lewis (28 Mar 1895 – 12 Mar 1918)
Private Lee Lewis was born in Atoka, Tenn., the son of R. E. Lewis and Elizabeth “Bettie” Gladden.
He entered service on April 21, 1917 at the age of 22 in Memphis, Tenn., and trained as a field artilleryman. He was first attached to Company B., I Infantry, Tennessee National Guard and then Batt. A, 115th F. A., 30th Division. Pvt. Lewis was training at Camp Sevier in Greensville, S.C. when he was infected with the measles, which developed into a deadly case of septicemia and erysipelas. He died on Mar. 12, 1918 at the base hospital, approximately two weeks before his 23rd birthday. He was brought back to Tipton County and is buried in Bethel Cemetery in Atoka.
A letter written to Pvt. Lewis’ family by the Tennessee Gold Star Committee for inclusion in the newly establish collection of gold star records – TN young men who had died in battle or by illness – asked for a picture and documentation of his life so that his service would live on.
To Miss Blanche Marshall, of Munford
Asking for the telegram announcing his death or burial certification or copy of same to help make the record more authentic. “We realize that we would arouse very sad memories, when we wrote for this record, but we did so that this boy’s memory might be fittingly commemorated in Memorial Hall down thru the ages. We sincerely trust that you will pardon our intrusion upon the sacred ground of your great sorrow.” – Chairman
