HEADQUARTERS, THIRTY SIXTH INFANTRY DIVISION

Office of the Division Chaplain
A10 #36, C/o Postmaster
New York, N. Y.

Somewhere in France

9 November 1944

Mr. Sinclair Lewis
300 Central Park West
New York, N. Y.

My dear Mr. Lewis:

You have already been informed by the War Department that your son, 1st Lieutenant Wells Lewis, O-1040853, Headquarters 36th Infantry Division was killed in action during military operations in France on the twenty-ninth of October. As the Chaplain who conducted his funeral rites I want to extend to you the sincere sympathy of myself and the other men of this Division.

Lieutenant Lewis was killed instantly, suffering no pain, when an enemy sniper's bullet hit him in the head. An individual personal service for him in accordance with the Protestant practice was conducted by me. Among those attending the service was the Division Commander. Lieutenant Lewis's body now rests in a beautiful U. S. Military Cemetery in Eastern France.

It was my pleasure to know your son personally. His ability and training made him an excellent leader, a worthy friend and he set a high standard for all of those who knew him. All of us will feel keenly the loss of your son, a truly patriotic American Soldier.

If there is any service I can render, I would be pleased to have you let me know. It is my earnest prayer that God will comfort you in your hour of sorrow.