Harry L. Lewis entered military service in South Carolina. He served in the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, as a Second Lieutenant and Pilot on the P-47 #42-75230 during World War II.

From www.americanairmuseum.com:
At 0730 hrs. 13 August 1944 Lt. Lewis and Lt. Broxton, a pilot from another group, crossed out N. E. of Fechamp, France at 1600 ft. returning to base after strafing and dive bombing in France. After crossing out they flew a heading of 003' for about fifteen minutes, letting down to about 4,000 ft. Lt. Broxton noticed overcast over channel at about 5,000 ft. they changed course to 010' and started climbing to 10,000 ft. Lt. Broxton then called wing control and was told to steer 035' for 8 minutes and that would bring him to Manston Airfield. Because of the overcast Lt. Broxton was unable to determine where he crossed into England, but he was sure that he was still over the channel when he received the 035' vector. Immediately after turning to 0350 they encountered Intense heavy flak at 8,000 ft. Lt. Broxton observed a few bursts in front of Lt. Lewis who was flying 400 yds. to his left and slightly below. For evasive action Lt. Broxton commenced a steep climbing turn to the right with full power. Lt. Broxton observed Lt. Lewis on course at about 5000 ft. About 5 minutes later Lt. Broxton observed Lt. Lewis at the same altitude and still on course. He then advised Lt. Lewis on the R/T that he was 2 minutes from Manston but received no reply. He then let down through the overcast in places over the Thames Estuary down to 200 ft. A pilot with another squadron identified himself and said they were 2 minutes from Manston. He then heard Lt. Lewis acknowledge and say he thought he could make it.