Briefing Document: Elton Lee Edmondson - Life and Service

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Detailed account of the life and military service of Elton Lee Edmondson, a Texan who perished in World War I.

Summary:

This document outlines the life of Elton Lee Edmondson, from his birth in rural Texas through his brief military service and tragic death in World War I. The document primarily draws from biographical and military records. It highlights his background, enlistment, transport overseas, the circumstances of his death, and his eventual repatriation and burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Key Details & Themes:

Early Life and Background:

Elton Lee Edmondson was born on December 9, 1893, in Brady, McCulloch County, Texas. His parents were Joseph D. and C. Frances Edmondson.

He was raised in McCulloch County, as evidenced by his presence in the 1900 and 1910 census records.

He was described as being of medium height and build with light hair, blue eyes, and a likely tanned complexion.

By June 5, 1917, he was working as a farm laborer for Joe Brashears near Eastland, Texas, living in Petrolia, Clay County, Texas at the time.

Marriage and Family:

Elton married Miss Faye Cowart on October 24, 1917, in Parker County, Texas.

His wife, Mrs. Fay Edmondson of Strawn, Palo Pinto County, Texas, is listed as his next of kin on his Army record. This demonstrates their relatively recent marriage prior to his military service.

Military Service and Deployment:

Elton was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 28, 1917, in Eastland, Texas.

He was initially sent to Camp Travis, Texas, and assigned to Detachment 2, 165th Depot Brigade.

On January 24, 1918, he boarded the transport ship SS Tuscania from Hoboken, New Jersey, bound for England. A significant number of soldiers (252) from Texas were on board.

The voyage to England was projected to be an 11 day trip.

Tragic Death at Sea:

The SS Tuscania was torpedoed by a German U-boat on February 5, 1918, near the Isle of Islay, U.K.

Of the 252 soldiers from Texas aboard, 48 were killed, including Elton Lee Edmondson. "Elton did not, killed in action February 5, 1918".

His wife in Strawn, Texas, was notified of his death.

Repatriation and Burial:

Elton's remains were initially buried in a temporary grave in the U.K.

The U.S. Army's Graves Registration Service (GRS) played a critical role in the process of identifying and recovering fallen soldiers. The text emphasizes that they did an "awesome job during and after the battles of WW1."

His remains were transported back to the U.S. on the USAT Antigone, which departed Liverpool, England on July 26, 1920, arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey on August 7, 1920.

His remains were transported by train to Arlington, Virginia, arriving on August 31, 1920.

Elton Lee Edmondson was finally laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on September 7, 1920.

Survivors:

Elton Edmondson was survived by his wife and parents.

Important Ideas and Facts:

The human cost of war: This account serves as a poignant reminder of the individual lives impacted by WWI. Elton's story highlights the sudden and tragic loss experienced by families, emphasizing the widespread grief associated with global conflict.

The logistics of war and its aftermath: The document showcases the complex process of drafting, deploying, and repatriating soldiers during WWI. The mention of troop transport ships and the Graves Registration Service illustrates the logistical challenges and the efforts to honor the fallen.

The impact on families: The document emphasizes the effect of Elton's death on his recently married wife, who was notified of his death, and the long wait for his final return.

Historical Context: The document touches on a specific time period during World War I and provides insight into draft procedures and the hazards of troop transport.

Conclusion:

The account of Elton Lee Edmondson is a detailed microcosm of the experience of a young American man swept into the events of World War I. It provides a clear picture of his life before the war, his brief military service, and his tragic fate, and his eventual dignified return home. The narrative is both informative and deeply human, demonstrating the profound consequences of war on both individuals and their families.