Briefing Document: Corporal Alvin Mauney - World War I Service and Sacrifice

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Summary of the life and military service of Alvin Mauney, based on the provided text.

Overview: This document summarizes the life of Alvin Mauney, a young man from Texas who served in the US Army during World War I. It details his enlistment, training, deployment to France, and his ultimate death in action. It also covers the repatriation of his remains and posthumous recognition.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Background:

Alvin Mauney was born on December 8, 1895, in Gorman, Eastland County, Texas. His parents were John M. and Annie "Vick" Mauney.

He lived with his family in Eastland County (1900 census) and Comanche County (1910 census).

Prior to enlisting, he was a well driller working for J. L. Williams in Grassland, Lynn County, Texas, as of June 5, 1917.

He is described as "short and medium build with light brown hair and light blue eyes with a tan complexion."

Enlistment and Training:

Mauney enlisted in the Texas National Guard on July 4, 1917, in Post, Garza County, Texas.

He underwent boot camp at Camp Bowie in Fort Worth, Texas.

He was initially assigned to the Supply Company 7th Infantry, then to Company C 7th Infantry, both of the Texas National Guard.

On October 15, 1917, he was assigned to Company G, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division of the US Army, at Camp Bowie.

He was promoted to Private 1st Class on November 1, 1917.

Deployment to France:

The 36th Division's units arrived in France between May 31 and August 14, 1918.

PFC Mauney’s unit moved to Camp Mills, NY, then embarked from Hoboken, New Jersey on July 18, 1918 for an eleven day journey by ship to France.

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

Mauney was promoted to Corporal on August 15, 1918.

Death in Action:

The 36th Division participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, starting on October 7, 1918.

Corporal Alvin Mauney was killed in action on October 8, 1918, during fighting between Somme-Py and Givry. He was initially buried near the battlefield.

His mother was notified of his death.

Repatriation of Remains:

The Graves Registration Service (GRS) of the US Army was responsible for handling the remains of fallen soldiers.

Alvin's remains were loaded onto the USAT Wheaton in Antwerp, Belgium, on September 20, 1921.

The ship arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on October 3, 1921.

His remains were then shipped by train to Gorman, Texas, arriving on October 15, 1921.

Corporal Alvin Mauney was finally laid to rest in the Gorman Cemetery in Gorman, Eastland County, Texas.

Posthumous Recognition:

On April 4, 1919, Corporal Alvin Mauney was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with silver star for his courage in battle.

Key Quotes:

"Mr. Alvin Mauney, a single white male living in Grassland, Lynn County, Texas and working at well drilling for J. L. Williams at Grassland, Texas as of June 5, 1917."

"Private Mauney was promoted to Private 1st Class on November 1, 1917."

"PFC Mauney was promoted to Corporal on August 15, 1918."

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

"On April 4, 1919 Corporal Alvin Mauney was awarded posthumously the French Croix de Guerre with silver star for his courage in battle."

Conclusion:

This text paints a picture of a young Texan who answered the call to service in World War I, moving through multiple stages of training before being deployed to France and tragically dying in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The detailed account of his journey from enlistment to his final burial highlights the scope of World War I's impact on families both in the US and in Europe. The text also emphasizes the importance of the Graves Registration Service, a unit that ensured fallen soldiers were properly accounted for, and the honors bestowed on Alvin Mauney posthumously.