Receiving The News
At the time of Cecil's death, Addie Dewees was the only member of the household. Elmer had passed away in 1941 and all of Addie's other children had moved out. When Addie received the news that her son was MIA, then KIA, she still had hope that Cecil was still alive, as no one had seen him crash. She kept up this hope until December of 1943, when she finally accepted her son's death and applied to receive a flag to memorialize her son.
A funeral for Cecil was held in the household of the young soldier. Reverends G. E. Allan and A. S Oliver, pastors of different local churches around Meridian conducted the service in Addie's home. Members of the community around Meridian and all members of the Mississippi DeMolays attended in celebration of Cecil's life.
Receiving Cecil's Awards
Cecil was a great pilot, and was recognized for it. Before his death on March 28th, 1943, Cecil had been awarded an Air Medal on February 25th, 1943, for "meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in the Southwest Pacific area from November 14, 1942 to January 9, 1943. During this period, Lieutenant Dewees participated in more than twenty-five operational flight missions during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These operations included patrol, interception, and escorting friendly shipping in the New Guinea area".
Under the direction of President Roosevelt, Cecil received the Distinguished Flying Cross because of his brilliant performance while flying near New Guinea from January 11th to March 1943.
Cecil received another presidential award, the Purple Heart. He received this in July of 1942 for his "military merit and for wounds received in action, resulting to his death on March 28th, 1942".
Under the direction of President Roosevelt, Cecil received the Distinguished Flying Cross because of his brilliant performance while flying near New Guinea from January 11th to March 1943.
Cecil received another presidential award, the Purple Heart. He received this in July of 1942 for his "military merit and for wounds received in action, resulting to his death on March 28th, 1942".