Briefing Document: Orion Alonzo Keele - A WWI Soldier

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Analysis of the life and military service of Orion Alonzo Keele based on provided text excerpt.

1. Introduction:

This document summarizes key biographical information and military service details of Orion Alonzo Keele, a soldier who served in World War I, as detailed in the provided text excerpt. The document will focus on his origins, military training, deployment, and ultimate fate.

2. Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Background:Orion Alonzo Keele was born on September 15, 1895, in Killeen, Bell County, Texas. His parents were Ivason R. and Mary J. Keele.

He was a single, white male residing in Clyde, Callahan County, Texas, as of June 15, 1917.

The text notes he was of "medium height and medium build with dark brown hair and brown eyes."

Notably, the document states that "Orion and family are not found on either the 1900 or the 1910 censuses." This could indicate they were missed in the census or were residing elsewhere at the time.

His father, Ivason R. Keele, is listed as his next of kin and was living in Clyde, Texas.

Military Training and Deployment:Orion was a student in officer school at US Army Camp Leon Springs in San Antonio in June 1917.

He was called into active federal service on November 27, 1917, at Camp Leon Springs as a 1st Lieutenant.

He received infantry training at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas.

He was then sent to Camp MacArthur and assigned to Company B, 34th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.

His regiment departed from Hoboken, New Jersey, on August 17, 1918, for France, taking an "eleven day voyage."

Upon arriving in France, Keele's company was sent to the 15th training area near Ancy-le-Franc.

The 7th division moved to the vicinity of Toul for further training and equipping.

They relieved the 90th Division in the Puvenelle sector north of Toul on October 11, 1918.

The 7th Division remained in the Puvenelle sector until November 9, 1918.

Death in Action and Repatriation:"Lieutenant Keele was killed in action on November 3, 1918 at Lorraine, France."

His father was notified of his death.

Initially buried in a temporary grave in France, his remains were later repatriated by the Graves Registration Service (GRS), which the document notes "did an awesome job during and after the battles of WW1."

His remains were transported on the USAT Wheaton, departing Antwerp, Belgium, on June 19, 1921, and arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey, on July 2, 1921.

He was then transported by train to Oplin, Texas and laid to rest in the Oplin Cemetery on August 10, 1921.

The document states he was "Survived by his parents."

3. Key Ideas:

Personal Sacrifice: This excerpt emphasizes the personal sacrifice of Orion Keele during World War I. The document traces his journey from a Texas student to a fallen soldier in France and highlights the long, arduous process of his return home.

The Scope of WWI: This excerpt gives a glimpse into the scope of WWI, including the travel, training, and the logistics of troop movements, even in death, illustrating the global scale of the conflict.

The Role of the GRS: The text highlights the important work of the Graves Registration Service in identifying, caring for, and ultimately repatriating the remains of fallen soldiers, showcasing their diligence even years after the war's end.

Family Impact: The text's mention of the father being notified about his death, and that he was eventually buried in Texas highlights the toll the war took on families.

4. Significant Quotes:

"Lieutenant Keele was killed in action on November 3, 1918 at Lorraine, France."

"The Graves Registration Service of the US Army was Orion's new unit. The GRS did an awesome job during and after the battles of WW1."

5. Conclusion:

The provided text paints a detailed portrait of Orion Alonzo Keele’s life and military service, highlighting his journey from Texas to France, and ultimately back home. His story serves as a poignant example of the sacrifices made by American soldiers during WWI. The detailed tracing of his movements and eventual return emphasizes the impact the war had not only on individuals but also the logistical complexities of managing the human toll of conflict.