A Tribute to my grandfather and
those who served with him.
By Lewis Cleveland III
Lt. Lewis A. Cleveland (405th), above
left. Lt. Cleveland, Lt.
Maurer, unknown, above middle. Roger Lewis Cleveland receiving the Silver Star
Medal for his dad at approximately 2 years of age, above right.
To the members of the 38th
Bomb Group.
I want to thank you for the service
that you and others like you gave in defense of FREEDOM. I myself served six
years in the submarine force and have three
brothers, all whom have served in the Navy. One of them is currently a P-3
pilot. I want you to know that in our family (I have 4 daughters and 1 son) the
service of the 38th Bomb Group will never be forgotten! The 38th Bomb Group and
the 5th Air Force may never get the Hollywood coverage that the 8th Air Force
has received, but in my heart and in my family, the memory of "The
Forgotten Fifth" will live forever! Thank you for all you have done and may
God bless you and your family. My fathers name is Roger Lewis Cleveland (born
November 29th, 1943 ), the name "Roger" chosen by my grandfather
because of the pilot's frequent use of the term "Roger". I am the
oldest of four sons. I am named for my grandfather and my son, fifth of my
children after four daughters, is named Mitchell Lewis Henry Cleveland for my
grandfather and grandmother. Needless to say, the memory of our grandfather and
his service is secure. But for others not as fortunate as he, your website is a
fitting and honorable tribute. Lewis Cleveland III
Lt. Lewis A. Cleveland and his crew,
Lt. Edsal J. Crews, Lt. George Branzell, T/Sgt. Robert E. Hannan Jr., and S/Sgt.
James J. Patrick were shot down in combat over Rabaul, New Britain on October
12, 1943. Lt. Cleveland, T/Sgt. Hannan, and S/Sgt. Patrick are now buried in the
military cemetery in Marietta, Georgia. They were found buried near the crash
site in 1947.
Lewis Cleveland II and his family at the gravesite.
The 4 daughters and 1 son of Lewis Cleveland III at the gravesite.
Lewis Cleveland III and his son at the gravesite.
Lt. Lewis A. Cleveland's great grandson in the arms of
his mother at the gravesite.
Anyone who may have known Lt.
Cleveland or has any information concerning his service with the 38th Bomb Group
can contact his family at lewclev@flash.net
.
Lewis Cleveland II and his family at the gravesite.
The 4 daughters and 1 son of Lewis Cleveland III at the gravesite.
Lewis Cleveland III and his son at the gravesite.
Lt. Lewis A. Cleveland's great grandson in the arms of
his mother at the gravesite.