A VETERAN'S DAY TRIBUTE TO MY DAD

Marvin Robert “Bob” Lewis Sr.

World War II Veteran

By Steve Lewis

On Veteran's Day this year, I wanted to remember Marvin Robert “Bob” Lewis Sr. a World War II Veteran but most of all my Father. Bob, as everyone called him was born November 26,1919 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Bob was inducted in the US Army, March 18, 1943 at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and received his Qualification of Rifle Sharp Shooter on June 18, 1943. He attended Radio Operator School at Camp Blanding, Florida, and Military Intelligence School at Camp Ritchie, Maryland. He was assigned to H & S Company 341st Engineer (GS) Regiment, where he served in England, Northern France, and Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Saint Lo, Battle of Remagen, St. Nazaire, Lorient France,

Bob was seriously injured and his Driver was Killed when his Jeep hit a Land Mine, and flipped upside down in a ditch. He was trapped under his Jeep for several days, facing the possibility of starvation, he tried to spear Rats with his Bayonet for food. Then a torrential rain began to fall, filling the ditch with water, fearing now, that he was going to drown while trapped under his jeep, and his thoughts of thinking that he'll never see his daughter again, he began to pray. As the water flowed rapidly through the ditch, it washed away some of the dirt allowing him to pull himself free. He then crawled 2-1/2 Miles to where he received medical treatment for his injuries.

Bob and his Battalion of Engineers were at the Battle of Remagen, were they made a vital victory by blowing up the Ludendorff Bridge, cutting off the supply line of the German Army. In the Original Combat Footage, Bob can be seen looking back to make sure all of his soldiers had crossed the Bridge before it was blown up. He was the last man to make it across the Bridge before it was destroyed.

Near the end of World War II, the Nazi Army was using every resource they could find to try and win the war. There was another incident that occurred that probably had the single most effect on him for the rest of his life. During a Night Patrol his platoon came under sniper fire and he had to shoot up into the trees at the shot blast and when he went and turned the deceased soldier over, it was a twelve-year-old boy. That incident weighed on his mind for the rest of his life. He like many of our returning soldiers, had reoccurring Flashbacks, I myself witnessed my Dad's Flashbacks first hand. No one could ever possibly understand what they went through unless they had experienced it themselves. Back then there was no where to go, or no one to see to help our veteran soldiers coming back from Combat handle the traumas of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Although many soldiers don't like to talk about the experiences, and the friends they lost to the war. So please if you see a Veteran from any branch of the service or from any war. Please Thank them for their service, and show them that they are truly appreciated.

Bob was Honorably Discharged from the US Army on November 27, 1945 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, with the Rank of 1st Sargent receiving the following Medals:

World War II Victory Medal

EAME Service Ribbon

Good Conduct Medal

American Theater Service Ribbon

US Army Lapel Button.

Purple Heart (combat wounded)

After the service he started several businesses, in several different venues. Bob had 4 Children, Martie Lewis-Kernodle, Marvin Robert Lewis Jr., Mark Steven Lewis, and Debra Lewis-Arnold. He was a Great Man, a Great Father, but most of all he was our Hero. Bob passed away on November 20, 1983 in El Dorado, Kansas. I know that I speak for my Brothers and Sisters when I say there's not a day that goes by that we don't think about him, and cherish the memories that we made together.

Dad, we Love You and Miss you so very much. Thank You for the Unselfish Sacrifices you made, both Mentally and Physically protecting our Freedom. Thank You for teaching us, Values, and Raising us to be Good People and to do the right things in life. But Most Of All, Thank You for being the Man we all looked up to, and for being OUR HERO!!!