Lewis Nixon III was a U.S. soldier. A product of a affluent family, Nixon found himself in the Army during World War II. His military service, friendship with Major Richard “Dick” Winters, and his paratrooper work with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment were immortalized in Stephen Ambrose’s book Band of Brothers and the subsequent HBO miniseries. The heroic qualities of Nixon included bravery, leadership, and friendship, making him an enduring figure in the history of World War II.
Background
On 30 September, 1918, Lewis Nixon III was born in New York City to a prominent family. His father was Lewis Nixon Jr., son of a naval architect who designed and built some of the largest ships of his era like the USS Oregon. Nixon III was raised in privilege and he attended Yale. However, despite his affluent background, Nixon would eventually find himself far removed from the world of high society as he chose to serve his country in its time of need.
Nixon enlisted in the U.S. Army at Officer Candidate School when World War II started. At the place, he met his future friend and fellow soldier Richard Winters. The two became second lieutenants and served in Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
Military Life and World War II
Lewis Nixon served in Easy Company, one of the most decorated units in American military history. The company made Nixon its intelligence officer and a member of its leadership. His major engagements with the company included the D-Day landings at Normandy, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. As an intelligence officer, he gathered critical information that often influenced tactical decisions on the battlefield.
Nixon showed bravery and leadership repeatedly. He survived the conditions and horrors of war but kept a close bond with his fellow soldiers, particularly Major Dick Winters, who often spoke of Nixon’s loyalty and intelligence. Two close friends who would remain friends well after the war.
One of the most memorable aspects of Nixon’s wartime experience was his alcoholism – particularly during the war itself. Combat-related stress and personal pressures caused periods when Nixon turned to drinking in order to cope. But his comrades, especially Winters, supported him through those dark days. Nixon remained a popular figure in Easy Company despite all this.
Post-War Life
Nixon returned to civilian life after the war, though the transition was not easy. Like many veterans, he had trouble adapting to civilian life. As a worker, he worked for his family in their business, the Nixon Nitration Works. But his professional endeavors never quite captured his interest the way his military service had.
Nixon went through some turbulent waters in his personal life. He was married trice but the first two marriages ended in divorce. Not until his third marriage, to Grace Umezawa, a Japanese-American woman he met in California, did he find true happiness. That relationship gave Nixon stability later in life.
Legacy
Lewis Nixon III died on January 11, 1995, but his legacy lives on, largely due to his portrayal in Band of Brothers. His friendship with Dick Winters, and contributions to Easy Company made him a favorite with veterans and historians. Nixon was more than a soldier – he will always be remembered for his wit, intelligence, and loyalty, traits that won the hearts of those who served with him.
