Briefing Document: John Clyde McKimmey – A Life and Sacrifice in World War I

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Analysis of the life and military service of John Clyde McKimmey based on provided excerpts.

Introduction:

This document summarizes the key information regarding John Clyde McKimmey, a young man from Texas who served and died in World War I. The excerpts detail his personal background, his military service, and his eventual repatriation and burial.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Background:

John Clyde McKimmey was born on June 16, 1893, in Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas.

He was a single, white male, described as short, medium build with light brown hair, gray eyes, and a tan complexion.

He was a student at Texas A&M College as of June 5, 1917.

His parents, John L. and Penelope E. McKimmey, both died in 1906. He was raised in Mills County but later lived with siblings in Comanche County. The 1900 census places him with parents and siblings in JP3 Mills County; the 1910 census finds him with siblings in JP8 Comanche County

His brother, R. L. McKimmey of Comanche, Texas, is listed as his next of kin on Army records.

Military Service:

McKimmey registered for the draft in Comanche County, Texas.

He enlisted in the US Army on January 5, 1918, at Camp Bowie, Texas.

He was initially assigned to Company D, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division.

He was promoted to Sergeant on April 23, 1918.

He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1918, to accept a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment on July 1, 1918. This shows a rapid rise through the ranks and a commitment to service.

Deployment to France and Combat:

The 36th Division began arriving in France in late May 1918 and completed arrival in August.

Lieutenant McKimmey's unit embarked for France on July 26, 1918, arriving after an eleven day voyage.

The 36th Division trained with the French Army at Bar-sur-Aube until September 26, 1918.

The division began operations in the Meuse-Argonne region on October 7, 1918.

Tragically, Lieutenant McKimmey was killed in action on October 9, 1918, near Somme-Py and Givry during the Meuse-Argonne offensive.

Post-Mortem and Repatriation:

Lieutenant McKimmey was initially buried near the battlefield in a temporary grave.

The Graves Registration Service (GRS) played a crucial role in identifying, preserving, and repatriating soldiers. The text notes the GRS did an "awesome job."

His remains were transported to Antwerp, Belgium, and then embarked on the USAT Wheaton on August 6, 1921.

The USAT Wheaton arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on August 20, 1921.

His remains were then shipped by train to Comanche, Texas, arriving September 23, 1921.

He was finally laid to rest in the Pottsville Cemetery, Hamilton County, Texas.

He was survived by his siblings.

Recognition and Awards:

Lieutenant McKimmey was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

He also received the French Croix de Guerre with palm on March 30, 1919, for his "courage in battle."

Key Quotes:

"John was reported as living with his parents and siblings in JP3 Mills County, Texas in the 1900 census."

"John was reported as living with his siblings in JP8 Comanche County, Texas in the 1910 census."

"On April 23, 1918 PFC McKimmey was promoted to Sergeant."

"On June 30, 1918 SGT McKimmey was honorably discharged to accept a commission of 2nd Lieutenant in the 3d Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment on July 1, 1918."

"The division's Meuse-Argonne operations began October 7, 1918, and it was between Somme-Py and Givry, near St. Etienne during this battle that John was killed in action October 9, 1918..."

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

Conclusion:

The story of John Clyde McKimmey exemplifies the experiences of many American soldiers in World War I. His life was cut short by the war, but his service and sacrifice were recognized through posthumous awards and the ultimate return of his remains to his home state. The detailed tracking of his movements and the care with which his body was eventually returned highlight the efforts made to honor fallen soldiers. The provided text provides a snapshot of a life dedicated to service and lost in war.