Briefing Document: Clyde A. Aycock - A World War I Soldier

Subject: Life and Military Service of Clyde A. Aycock, a WWI Soldier

Date: October 26, 2023

Summary: This document details the life and military service of Clyde A. Aycock, a young man from Cisco, Texas who served in World War I and was killed in action. It covers his pre-war life, enlistment, military training, deployment to France, combat experience, death, and eventual repatriation.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Clyde A. Aycock was born in August 1899 in Cisco, Eastland County, Texas.

His parents were Francis "Frank" E. and Mary "Mollie" E. Aycock.

He grew up in Eastland County, Texas, with his siblings. The 1900 and 1910 census records confirm his residence with his family in the area.

His father passed away in 1912. His mother is listed as his next of kin on his military record.

Enlistment and Military Training:

Clyde enlisted in the Texas National Guard on April 5, 1917, at Fort Worth, Texas, despite not registering for the draft.

He was assigned to Company B, 4th Infantry Texas National Guard and sent to boot camp at Camp Bowie in Fort Worth.

When the Texas National Guard was federalized into the U.S. Army around August 20, 1917, he was assigned to Company D, 144th Infantry Regiment, 36th Division.

The 36th Division trained at Camp Bowie.

Deployment to France:

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

Aycock’s unit moved to Camp Mills, New York then to Hoboken, New Jersey, where they embarked on a transport ship to France on July 18, 1918.

The voyage took eleven days.

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

Combat and Death:

Clyde A. Aycock was promoted to Private 1st Class on September 4, 1918.

The 36th Division began its Meuse-Argonne operations on October 7, 1918.

"Private Aycock was killed in action October 13, 1918, and buried near the battlefield" between Somme-Py and Givry.

His mother was notified of his death.

Post-Mortem Actions and Repatriation:

Clyde was initially buried in a temporary grave in France.

The "Graves Registration Service of the US Army" was responsible for handling his remains after his death.

His remains were transported on the USAT Wheaton from Antwerp, Belgium, departing August 6, 1921, and arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey on August 20, 1921.

His remains were then shipped to Cisco, Texas via train, arriving on September 23, 1921.

He was finally laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.

Recognition:

Clyde A. Aycock was posthumously awarded the French Croix de Guerre with gilt star on April 2, 1919 for his courage in battle. This demonstrates the esteem in which he was held by his French allies.

Important Quotes:

"Clyde was enlisted into service for the Texas National Guard on April 5, 1917 at Fort Worth, Texas." - Indicates the specific date and location of his enlistment.

"Private Aycock was promoted to Private 1st Class on September 4, 1918." - Highlights his progression in rank before his death.

"Clyde was killed in action October 13, 1918, and buried near the battlefield." - States the tragic circumstances of his death.

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

"On April 2, 1919 Private 1st Class Clyde Aycock was awarded posthumously the French Croix de Guerre with gilt star for his courage in battle." - Underscores his bravery and the recognition he received for his service.

Conclusion:

The life of Clyde A. Aycock provides a poignant example of a young man from rural Texas who served and died during World War I. This information demonstrates the extensive journey many American soldiers experienced during the war, highlighting the sacrifices made by young men and the efforts made by the U.S. Army to repatriate the fallen. His story also serves as an example of an individual's experience within the broader context of American involvement in the war. The awarding of the Croix de Guerre underscores his courage in battle, even though he did not survive the conflict.