35 Facts About Lewis Nixon

Early Life and Family Background

Lewis Nixon III's life began in a world of privilege and opportunity. His early years were shaped by his family's wealth and influence, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

1. Birth and Family: Born on September 30, 1918, in New York City, Lewis Nixon III was the eldest child of Stanhope Wood Nixon and Doris Ryer Nixon. He had a younger sister named Blanche and a brother, Fletcher Ryer, who tragically died in infancy in 1922.

2. Grandfather: His grandfather, Lewis Nixon (1861–1940), was a prominent shipbuilding architect. This connection to shipbuilding likely influenced Nixon's early interest in the water and competitive spirit.

3. Early Life: Raised by his parents and later by his grandparents, Nixon enjoyed a privileged upbringing. He split his time between New York City and Montecito, California, and traveled extensively across Europe before the war.

4. Education: Nixon attended the Cate School in Santa Barbara, California, before being accepted into Yale University. However, he left Yale without completing his studies to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1941.

5. Model Yacht Regatta: At age seven, Nixon competed in a model yacht regatta at Central Park’s Conservatory Lake, earning a gold and bronze medal in the 35-inch boat class. This early achievement showcased his competitive spirit.

Military Career and World War II

Nixon's decision to join the military marked the beginning of a distinguished career. His service during World War II was characterized by bravery, intelligence, and leadership.

6. Enlistment: On January 14, 1941, Nixon enlisted in the U.S. Army at Trenton, New Jersey, marking the start of his military journey.

7. Basic Training: He underwent Basic Training at Camp Croft in South Carolina, where he met Richard Winters, who would become a lifelong friend and comrade.

8. Officer Candidate School: Nixon attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating as a second lieutenant. This milestone marked his commissioning as an officer.

9. Paratroopers: Despite initial plans to serve in a Military Police unit, Nixon chose to join the paratroopers, leading him to some of the war's most daring missions.

10. Easy Company: Nixon was assigned to Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division. This unit would become famous for its bravery and sacrifices.

11. Training: He underwent rigorous training at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, and later at the Airborne School at Fort Benning, preparing him for the challenges of combat.

12. Deployment: In September 1943, Easy Company was deployed to Aldbourne, England, to prepare for the invasion of Normandy. The unit's arrival was marked by the stark reality of war.

13. Liberation of Prisoners: During their deployment in England, Nixon and his comrades discovered a concentration camp where Nazi officers had left prisoners to die. This harrowing experience left a lasting impact.

14. Promotions: Nixon quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an intelligence officer for the 506th Regiment. His skills and bravery earned him promotions, including being appointed as the regimental intelligence officer after the Battle of Carentan.

Key Battles and Operations

Nixon's participation in several critical battles and operations during World War II showcased his strategic thinking and bravery.

15. Normandy Invasion: On June 6, 1944, Nixon participated in the initial jump into occupied France as part of Operation Overlord, marking one of the war's most pivotal moments.

16. Battle of Carentan: In June 1944, Easy Company fought in the Battle of Carentan, where Nixon's intelligence work proved crucial. He was promoted to regimental intelligence officer shortly after this battle.

17. Holland Campaign: In September 1944, Nixon participated in the attempted invasion of Holland. He was hit by a stray bullet from a German MG-42 machine gun, which grazed his forehead but did not cause serious injury.

18. Alcoholism: After being injured in Holland, Nixon began to struggle with alcoholism. This problem led to his demotion to the 2nd Battalion as the operations officer, where he continued to display his planning skills.

19. Berchtesgaden: In the spring of 1945, Nixon was part of the Allied forces that captured Berchtesgaden, Germany. He was given first choice of a captured wine cellar originally assembled by Hermann Göring, which included a vast collection of wine stolen from French wineries.

20. Operation Varsity: On March 24, 1945, Nixon was assigned as an observer with Major General William Miley’s 17th Airborne Division during Operation Varsity, the airborne crossing of the Rhine river. His plane was hit by German air defense fire, but he and his comrades managed to jump safely.

21. Combat Jump Stars: Nixon is one of the few men in the 101st Airborne Division to earn three Combat Jump Stars on his Parachutist Badge, reflecting his bravery and dedication to airborne operations.

Post-War Life and Legacy

After the war, Nixon faced personal challenges but eventually found peace and purpose in his post-war life. His legacy continues to inspire.

22. Rank and Honors: By the end of the war, Nixon had risen to the rank of captain. He received numerous honors, including a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the French Croix de Guerre.

23. Post-War Life: After returning to the United States in September 1945, Nixon struggled with alcoholism. However, he eventually found support and married Grace Umezawa in 1956, which helped him overcome his drinking problem.

24. Family Business: Nixon worked at his family’s Nixon Nitration Works in Edison, New Jersey. He eventually became a personnel manager with the company, where he also employed his friend Richard Winters.

25. Travel and Leisure: After his retirement from active service, Nixon and his wife Grace traveled extensively around the world. They enjoyed spending time with their nieces and nephews and found peace in their post-war life.

26. Portrayal in Band of Brothers: Nixon’s life and service were chronicled in Stephen Ambrose’s book “Band of Brothers,” which was later adapted into an HBO miniseries. He was portrayed by actor Ron Livingston, capturing his essence and bravery.

27. Legacy: Nixon’s legacy extends beyond his military service. He is remembered for his intelligence, bravery, and leadership during some of the most critical moments of World War II. His story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and sacrifice.

28. Personal Quirks: Nixon had a notable love for blended whisky, particularly Vat 69. This affection was often mentioned in historical accounts and the HBO miniseries adaptation of “Band of Brothers”.

29. Friendship with Richard Winters: Nixon’s friendship with Richard Winters was a cornerstone of his life. The two men met at Officer Candidate School and remained close until Nixon’s passing in 1995. Winters delivered the eulogy at Nixon’s funeral, highlighting their enduring bond.

30. Death: Lewis Nixon III passed away on January 11, 1995, at the age of 76 due to complications related to diabetes. He was buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

31. Burial Site: Nixon’s burial site reflects his life’s journey. He was laid to rest in a memorial park that symbolizes peace and remembrance, fitting for a man who dedicated his life to service and sacrifice.

32. Genealogy: Nixon’s family history is rich and influential. His grandfather was a shipbuilding architect, and his parents were part of a wealthy and well-traveled family. This background shaped his early life and influenced his decision to join the military.

33. Travel Experiences: Before the war, Nixon traveled extensively across Europe, visiting Germany, France, and England. These experiences broadened his horizons and prepared him for the cultural diversity he would encounter during his military service.

34. Military Operations: Nixon participated in several crucial military operations, including the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, and Operation Varsity. His intelligence work and strategic planning played a significant role in these operations, contributing to the Allied victory.

35. Historical Significance: Lewis Nixon III is remembered as one of the brave and intelligent officers who served in Easy Company during World War II. His story, as depicted in “Band of Brothers,” serves as a testament to the sacrifices and camaraderie of soldiers during one of history’s most pivotal conflicts.

Remembering Lewis Nixon

Lewis Nixon III was a true hero whose life was filled with bravery, intelligence, and dedication. From his privileged upbringing to his pivotal role in World War II, Nixon's journey was nothing short of extraordinary. He faced the horrors of war head-on, contributing significantly to the success of Easy Company and the Allied forces. Despite personal struggles, including a battle with alcoholism, he found strength in his friendships and family. His story, immortalized in "Band of Brothers," continues to inspire many. Nixon's legacy is a testament to the power of courage, camaraderie, and resilience. His contributions during some of history's most critical moments remind us of the sacrifices made by those who served. As we remember Lewis Nixon, we honor not just a soldier, but a man who exemplified the true spirit of service and sacrifice.