Briefing Document: Frank Ransom Cole - World War I Service

Subject: Life and Military Service of Frank Ransom Cole, World War I Soldier

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: https://hotvetsmem.com/ww1cas/ww1brown/hotww1hrbiobrown.html#FRC

Executive Summary:

This document details the life and World War I service of Frank Ransom Cole, a young man from Coleman County, Texas. Drafted into the US Army in 1918, Cole served in the 90th Infantry Division and was tragically killed in action during the Meuse-Argonne offensive on November 1, 1918. The document highlights his journey from farm laborer to soldier, his training, deployment, and ultimate sacrifice, as well as the efforts to return his remains home for burial.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Background:

Frank Ransom Cole was born on December 23, 1894, in Ballinger, Runnels County, Texas, to George D. and Ada B. (Ransom) Cole.

He lived with his family in Mitchell County (1900 census) and then in Glen Cove, Coleman County (1910 census), demonstrating a family move within Texas.

Prior to his military service, Cole worked as a farm and ranch laborer for J.P. McCord near Glen Cove, suggesting a rural background and lifestyle.

He was described as a single white male, tall with a medium build, black hair, gray eyes, and likely a tan complexion from farm work.

His mother was listed as his next of kin and was living in Glen Cove at the time of his draft.

Military Service:

Cole was drafted into the US Army on February 23, 1918, at Coleman, Texas.

He underwent initial training at Camp Travis in San Antonio, with the 18th Company 5th Training Battalion 165th Depot Brigade.

He was then assigned to Company C, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division on March 24, 1918.

His regiment moved to Camp Mills, New York, and then embarked from Hoboken, New Jersey to England on June 20, 1918.

"Private Cole was assigned to Company C 359th Infantry Regiment in the 90th Infantry Division on March 24, 1918."

The document suggests a swift movement of Cole and his unit from the United States to the battlefields of Europe.

After arriving in England, Cole's company quickly transferred to France for six weeks of intense training near Rouvres.

He was promoted to Private 1st Class on August 7, 1918.

The division participated in the St. Mihiel operation from September 12-16, 1918, and then remained in line until October 10.

He was involved in the Meuse-Argonne offensive from October 13 to November 11, 1918.

Death in Action & Repatriation:Frank Ransom Cole was killed in action on November 1, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive.

His mother was notified of his death in Brownwood, Texas.

He was initially buried in a temporary grave in France.

His remains were handled by the Graves Registration Service (GRS), described as having done "an awesome job during and after the battles of WW1."

Cole's remains were repatriated to the United States, arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey on October 3, 1921, after departing from Antwerp, Belgium on the USAT Wheaton on September 19, 1921.

His remains were then transported by train to Coleman, Texas, arriving October 15, 1921.

Frank was laid to rest in the Glen Cove Cemetery in Coleman County, Texas.

He was survived by his parents.

Important Quotes:

"...Frank was drafted into federal service for the US Army on February 23, 1918 at Coleman, Texas."

"Frank was promoted to Private 1st Class on August 7, 1918."

"Frank was killed in action on the battlefield during the division's Meuse-Argonne operations on November 1, 1918."

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

Analysis and Significance:

Frank Ransom Cole's story provides a poignant example of a typical young American man's experience during World War I. His rapid deployment and engagement in some of the war's most significant battles illustrate the intensity of the conflict. The detailed timeline of his service, from draft to death, and the efforts to return his remains, underscores the human cost of war and the lengths to which the military went to honor the fallen. His story also touches upon the bureaucratic process of identifying, recovering, and repatriating the fallen during the war. Cole's journey from a farm laborer in rural Texas to a soldier on the battlefields of France highlights the far reaching impact that the war had on all sectors of American society.

Conclusion:

This document provides a detailed overview of the life and military service of Frank Ransom Cole during World War I. His story is representative of the many American soldiers who served and sacrificed in the conflict, and provides insight into both the challenges and logistics of the war and the personal toll that it took on individuals. His ultimate return home after the war concludes a tragic and moving narrative.