letters from a fallen soldier

[USAF Brat]

While going thru some of my fathers boxes I came across these letters to home from a Marine named Neil Lewison while he was on the USS Arizona. After some researched I found he was a cousin to my Grandfather. His letters are to another cousin and his aunt. The letters are dated from March 1941 to Nov. 1941. In his letters he talks about how hot is in Hawaii as he is from Wisconsin. And how he can't wait to be home for deer hunting season. In his last letter he is upset because his tour of duty was up and they won't release him. There is also a letter from home to him dated Dec.9, 1941 asking him if he is ok and to send them a letter as soon as possible. That letter is returned with a stamp of "unclaimed". Yes Neil died that historic day in December. His name is listed among the fallen soldiers. Though I wasn't even born yet on that historic day (not even close) I am proud to call Neil a member of my family.

[huntssurplus]

Wow, an interesting story a sailor who gave his life in the line of duty. Thank you for sharing and keeping his memory alive.

 

Hunt

[USAF Brat]

​​I need to correct myself. I incorrectly called Neil a marine and I should have called him a Sailor in the Navy. I have found a picture of a sailor in uniform with the background of a tropical place, but have not yet been able to confirm if it is of Neil. If able to confirm I will post that as well.

[GWS]

Thanks for posting this. It has always been curious to me how well we can relate to someone we never knew, at a different time and place, if there is something that personally involves us with them. If I had read the same story in a book, it just wouldn't have the emotional impact of a letter written by the person involved. I'm lucky to have some letters written by a young soldier to his sister during WW1,

and after reading them, I feel that I almost knew him! Very touching, very sad, but unfortunately, all too familiar a reality. Thanks again.

[RustyCanteen]

Amazing pieces of history. Thank you for sharing them.

[GWS]

USAF Brat-

I'm also a member of Find A Grave and found 3 memorials for Neil Lewison there. The first , of course, is the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial itself in Pearl Harbor. Memorial 7900859. The next is the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu Hi. 123933864. The third is a memorial marker in Melrose Wisconsin, 22370394. This one may have been placed by his family or one of the service organizations, or even the county.

If you do any further research on him, you may add a short biography and photos of him to each of the 3 memorials. Doing so does require membership to Find A Grave, but it is free and painless to join.

It would certainly add to the memorials and personalize them. Please post any future research or information you might find on him. Thank you,

 

From another USAF Brat,

Steve