Briefing Document: The Life and Service of Jesse James Allen

Subject: Summary of the life and military service of Jesse James Allen, based on provided text.

Date: October 26, 2023

Source Material: Excerpt from a biographical text about Jesse James Allen

1. Introduction:

This document provides a summary of the key facts and events in the life of Jesse James Allen, a young American man who served and died in World War I. The information is drawn from the provided text excerpt. The document focuses on his personal background, military service, and ultimate fate.

2. Personal Background:

Full Name: Jesse James Allen

Race: White

Marital Status: Single

Residence (1917): DeLeon, Comanche County, Texas

Occupation (1917): Farmer

Physical Description: Medium height, medium build, brown hair, blue eyes, likely tan complexion

Date of Birth: July 22, 1892

Place of Birth: Russell County, Alabama

Parents: Henry W. and Sarah E. Allen

Childhood: Raised in Girard, Russell County, Alabama.

Family Locations:1900 Census: Living with parents and siblings in Girard, Russell County, Alabama.

1910 Census: Living with parents and siblings in JP5, Coleman County, Texas.

3. Military Service (World War I):

Draft Registration: Registered for the draft in Comanche County, Texas.

Drafted: May 25, 1918, into the U.S. Army at Camp Bowie, Texas.

Boot Camp: Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Texas.

Unit: Company B, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division.

Deployment to France:Embarked from Hoboken, New Jersey on July 26, 1918.

Eleven-day voyage to France.

36th Division stationed at Bar-sur-Aube until September 26, 1918, for training with the French Army.

"The first units of the 36th Division arrived in France May 31, 1918 and the last on August 14, 1918."

Combat: Participated in the Meuse-Argonne operations starting October 7, 1918.

Death: Killed in action on October 8, 1918, between Somme-Py and Givry during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

"It was between Somme-Py and Givry during this battle that Jesse was killed in action October 8, 1918."

Initial Burial: Buried on the battlefield in a temporary grave.

Notification of Death: Mother was notified.

4. Post-Mortem and Repatriation:

Graves Registration Service (GRS): The GRS handled the identification and care of fallen soldiers' remains, and was a key part of bringing Jesse home. "The Graves Registration Service of the US Army was Jesse's new unit. The GRS did an awesome job during and after the battles of WW1."

Repatriation:Remains loaded onto USAT Wheaton in Antwerp, Belgium on August 6, 1921.

Arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey on August 20, 1921.

Shipped by train to DeLeon, Texas on September 9, 1921.

Arrived in DeLeon, Texas September 18, 1921

Final Burial: Laid to rest in the DeLeon Cemetery, Comanche County, Texas.

"Jesse Allen was laid to rest in the DeLeon Cemetery, Comanche County, Texas."

Next of Kin: Survived by his mother.

Posthumous Award: Awarded the French Croix de Guerre with palm on March 30, 1919 for his "courage and bravery."

5. Key Themes and Important Ideas:

A Typical Young Man Called to Service: Jesse's story reflects the experience of many young American men from rural backgrounds who were drafted into service during World War I.

The Reality of War: The stark contrast between his pre-war life as a farmer and his death on the battlefield highlights the tragic human cost of war.

The Logistics of War and Aftermath: The text details the movement of troops and also the meticulous process of identification and repatriation by the GRS, emphasizing the bureaucratic processes that followed the carnage of war.

Sacrifice and Remembrance: Jesse's story shows the personal sacrifices of those who served, and the long process for his family to finally lay him to rest at home, and the honors they receive.

6. Conclusion

Jesse James Allen's story is one of a young man who left a quiet life to fight in a distant war, ultimately making the ultimate sacrifice. The information in this document is a summary of his life, military service, and the impact of his death. This text also highlights the meticulous efforts of the Graves Registration Service to honor the fallen and ensure their return home.