Lewis Miller Allen

Lewis Miller Allen
409573

Conflict: World War II
Branch of Service: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Co E, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division
Rank: Private
Death: 23 November 1942 - Guadalcanal
Cemetery: Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Spartanburg, S.C.
Medals / Citations / Awards: The Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation ribbon bar with one star in connection with the copy of the Presidential Unit Citation previously awarded, and Victory Medal World War II.

Lewis Miller Allen (Service #409573) was born 6 September 1920 in Spartanburg, S.C. His parents were Lillie M. and Albert J. Allen, Sr. His siblings included Margaret L., Anna P., Arthur L., and Albert J., Jr. In the 1920 census, Lewis’s father was a spinner in a cotton mill but by 1930, he was working as a machinist in a steam railroad shop. At the time of Lewis’ death, they were living at 405 N. Church St., Spartanburg, S.C.
Lewis enlisted for the duration of the war in the U. S. Marine Corps Reserves 9 June 1942 in Savannah, Ga. He was assigned to active duty the same day that he enlisted. Prior to enlisting he worked at Price’s Clothing Store in Spartanburg where he earned $18.00 per week. At the time of his enlistment, he was 5 feet, 10 ½ inches tall with a ruddy complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. His initial training was at Parris Island where he was classified as a bayonet expert. He was a member of Co E, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division.
From Parris Island, he was sent to San Diego, Calif., where he embarked on board the S. S. Lurline on 26 August 1942, sailed 1 September 1942, arrived at the island of Tutuila, (American) Samoa on 14 September 1942. He embarked on 23 October 1942 from Pago Pago (a city on Tutuila) on the USS Barnett and arrived at the Island of Efate, New Hebrides on 30 October 1942. The Barnett resumed sail on 31 October 1942 and arrived at Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands on 4 November 1942. Lewis participated in offensive operations again the Japanese Army on Guadalcanal from 4 November 1942 to when he was killed in action of gunshot wounds on 23 November 1942. He was initially buried in the 1st Marine Division Cemetery there (row #66, grave #5) but was brought home 12 February 1948 and interred in Greenlawn Memory Gardens in Spartanburg. Floyd Mortuary was in charge.

He was unmarried.

NEEDED:

Picture of his tombstone