Briefing Document: Corporal Thomas F. Harwell

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Life and Military Service of Thomas F. Harwell during World War I

Sources: Excerpt from provided "Pasted Text"

Overview: This document details the life, military service, and death of Thomas F. Harwell, a young American soldier who served in World War I. The information primarily focuses on his enlistment, deployment, and ultimate death from pneumonia in France, as well as the repatriation of his remains.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Thomas F. Harwell was born on November 21, 1899, in Milburn, McCulloch County, Texas.

His parents were Thomas F. and Annie T. Harwell.

He was raised in McCulloch and Hays Counties, Texas.

The 1900 and 1910 censuses show him living with his family in these respective counties.

His father, of Kyle, Texas, is listed as his next of kin on his Army record.

Enlistment and Training:

Harwell was not required to register for the draft due to his age, but he chose to enlist.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 3, 1918, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

He underwent boot camp at Camp Greene in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He was assigned to Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division.

Deployment to France and Combat:

Harwell's unit arrived in France in the spring of 1918.

The text specifies: "The first units of the 3rd Division arrived in France April 1918 and the last on August 14, 1918."

He departed for France on March 30, 1918 after moving to the port of embarkation in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The voyage to France took eleven days.

The division initially trained in the Chateau Villain area.

They entered the front line at Chateau-Thierry and Hill 204 on May 31st, then the entire division took that sector in June.

He was promoted to Corporal on July 14, 1918.

His unit engaged in heavy fighting, notably meeting the German forces crossing the Marne on July 15th.

He participated in an offensive across the Marne on July 21st and advanced to the Ourcq.

Illness and Death:

During preparations for the Saint Mihiel operation, Harwell fell ill.

The text states: "...during which time Thomas was taken ill and died September 1, 1918 of pneumonia, and buried near the battlefield."

He died of pneumonia on September 1, 1918, near the battlefield.

His father was notified of his death.

Repatriation of Remains:

Harwell was initially buried in a temporary grave in France.

The Graves Registration Service (GRS) of the US Army was responsible for managing the remains of soldiers. The text describes their work as "awesome".

His remains were transported back to the United States on the USAT Wheaton, departing Cherbourg, France on May 1, 1921, and arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey on May 18, 1921.

His body was then transported by train to Kyle, Texas, arriving on June 2, 1921.

Thomas Harwell was laid to rest in the Kyle Cemetery, Hays County, Texas.

He was survived by his parents.

Key Quotes:

"Thomas was not required to register for the draft due to his age."

"The first units of the 3rd Division arrived in France April 1918 and the last on August 14, 1918."

"...during which time Thomas was taken ill and died September 1, 1918 of pneumonia, and buried near the battlefield."

"The GRS did an awesome job during and after the battles of WW1."

Analysis:

This account provides a poignant picture of a young man's service and sacrifice in World War I. It highlights the common experiences of many American soldiers, including enlistment, rigorous training, deployment to the battlefields of France, participation in fierce fighting, and the unfortunate reality of death due to disease. Furthermore, it showcases the vital and often overlooked role of the Graves Registration Service in bringing the remains of fallen soldiers back home. The story also demonstrates how a young man from rural Texas was involved in some of the most significant battles of the war, such as those across the Marne river.

Conclusion:

The information provides a clear timeline of Corporal Thomas F. Harwell's life and military service. The brevity of his military career coupled with his young age further underscores the tragic cost of the war. His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals during this global conflict and provides a very specific example of the impact of WW1.