LEWIS E. PENNELL, ENS, USN
Lewis Pennell '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
LEWIS EDWARD PENNELL
Columbia, South Carolina
"Lewie" is a southerner of the old school who spent a good part of his life at the academy correcting the widespread misconception that Charleston is the capital of South Carolina. His inherent southern hospitality found an outlet in the Reception Committee over the weekends. Week day afternoons were not complete without their round of bridge or game of handball, but the varied activities of the Boat Club could make him forget either. Evenings found him occupied with the Log or the Stamp Club. In spite of his extra-curricular activities and a propensity for Amazing Stories he still found time to star.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
LEWIS EDWARD PENNELL
Columbia, South Carolina
"Lewie" is a southerner of the old school who spent a good part of his life at the academy correcting the widespread misconception that Charleston is the capital of South Carolina. His inherent southern hospitality found an outlet in the Reception Committee over the weekends. Week day afternoons were not complete without their round of bridge or game of handball, but the varied activities of the Boat Club could make him forget either. Evenings found him occupied with the Log or the Stamp Club. In spite of his extra-curricular activities and a propensity for Amazing Stories he still found time to star.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
Lewis was lost when USS Monssen (DD 436) was sunk on November 13, 1942 at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. His parents were listed as next of kin.
Other Information
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
Lewie was born on 23 February, 1921 in Belton, South Carolina. He was appointed from South Carolina and entered the Academy on 28 June, 1939. After graduation, he reported to the destroyer USS MONSSEN in the South Pacific. He arrived in time to participate in the fire support for the Guadalcanal Invasion in August, the Battle of Savo Island on 9 August and his last battle, the Third Battle of Salvo Island on Friday, 13 November, 1942. The MONSSEN with her fire control radar inoperative, entered the night battle at a disadvantage. At the height of the battle, she was firing torpedoes at a Japanese battleship to starboard, five inch guns at an enemy cruiser to port and her 40MM guns at a Japanese destroyer about 500 yards away. MONSSEN was suddenly illuminated by star shells which were instantly followed by a deadly rain of shells that left the ship a total wreck of searing flames. A few survived but not Lewie. He wore the Purple Heart, the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with two bronze stars. He was survived by his father, Mr. Brone Fred Pennell, who lived at 1408 Fairview Drive, Columbia, South Carolina when Lewie was killed.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Lewis attended the school of engineering at the University of South Carolina and was elected a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
He was the communications officer of his ship. Reportedly, he was one of two ensigns who were given this position before having served three years active duty.
His father was a mail service clerk, mother Helen, and sisters Helen and Beverly.
Lewis is remembered at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.
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