"Soldier's Sacrifice" Hugh Taylor Lewallen

Today the museum would like to honor Hugh Taylor Lewallen who was killed one hundred years ago today in the Argonne Forrest of France. Hugh Lewallen was born in Glenmary, Tennessee on September 3, 1895 to John and Lydia Lewallen. According to his draft card he was of medium height, medium build, had blue eyes, and dark hair. He was called into service by the draft board on August 24, 1917. Lewallen was killed in action on October 6, 1918, two days before another East Tennessean named Alvin C. York would commit the actions that gained him the Congressional Medal of Honor on the same battlefield. He was 23 years old. It is believed that he was killed during a gas attack by the Germans. Lewallen was first buried in France but was returned to Scott County soon after the war. He is buried with his family in the George Lewallen Cemetery in Glenmary.  The epitaph on Lewallen's stone states, "Nobly he fell while fighting for liberty in France."

Lewallen's final letter home to his mother was penned on September 25, 1918 only eleven days before he was killed in action.  He wrote:

"Dear mother I thought I would drop you a few lines to let you hear from me this has me feeling fine and truly hope it will find you all the same. it has been some time since I have heard from you and I sure would like to hear of home times if I could.  well mama I cant say much on the war I guess you know all most as much a bout it as I do for you can see it in the papers.  Mama write me a long letter and tell me all a bout every thing at home how every boddy is geting along.  how the crops are. and be sure and tell me how Grand Paw is.  I hope it wont be long untill I can get back home with you all.  Mama where is Archie?  do you ever hear from him why dont he write to me I havent heard from him since I left Sivure (?).  Has any of the other boys been called yet?  Mama dont worry a bout me for I will try and take care of my self the best I can.  and I am going to write home as much as once a week if I have the chance and I think I will we dont have as good a chance to write here as we did back in camp over there for we cant get the paper as long as the y.m.c.a. furnishes us with paper the best they can but there is so many on the field now that it is impossible for us to get it like we did.  Mama has Pap still got his mill and is he doing any sawing now?  (Lewallen crossed out the next couple of lines, he then started back) Well Mama as I cant think of any thing much to write I will close for this time and write more next time.  I guess it is a bout time for Sorgum makeing back there now. I would sure like to have my mess pan full right now Mama write me a long letter as soon as you get this I am anxious to have a long letter from you all I will close for this time Love to all your son Hugh."

Note: Hugh T. Lewallen's brother Archie Lewallen also served in WWI.

Hugh T. Lewallen, of Glenmary, was 23 years old when he was killed in a gas attack on this day in 1918.

Lewallen's family holding the flag that covered his casket behind his tombstone.  This is after his body was returned to Scott County.  Hugh Lewallen's father, John Harrison Lewallen, is second from right.

A copy of the Lady Colombia Wound Certificate, a precursor to the Purple Heart, presented to the Lewallen family after Hugh Taylor Lewallen was killed. The original can be viewed at the Scott County Historical Society. 

Hugh Lewallen's first grave site in France. The disk at the top of the cross was his dog tag. 

Hugh Lewallen's tombstone in the George Lewallen Cemetery in Glenmary.

Card notifying Hugh Lewallen of being drafted and reporting to the military.  Original can be viewed at the Scott County Historical Society.

Back of above card

Hugh Lewallen's final letter home written on YMCA paper as he mentioned in the letter.  The original can be viewed at the Scott County Historical Society.

Hugh Lewallen's Draft Card

Lewallen's notice to appear before the draft board for physical examination.

Telegram informing Hugh Lewallen's family of his death.

Information and photographs provided by the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association, Hugh Lewallen's draft card and draft notice, and his FindAGrave profile.  Hugh Lewallen's letter to his mother, notice card, and Lady Columbia Wound Certificate courtesy of the Kathleen Fulwiler papers deposited in the Scott County Historical Society.  Images 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, and 11 courtesy of East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association.  Image 5 courtesy of Tim West.