Briefing Document: Lonnie Lester Bien

Subject: Life and Military Service of Lonnie Lester Bien

Date: October 26, 2023

Summary: This document details the life of Lonnie Lester Bien, from his birth in Texas to his tragic death during World War II. The information is based on the provided text excerpts and covers key biographical and military service details.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Birth: Lonnie Lester Bien was born on November 7, 1921, in Brookesmith, Brown County, Texas.

Parents: His parents were Florence Angelie Lewis (born 1894, died 1990) and William Franklin Bien (born 1876, died 1936). The text notes their ages at the time of Lonnie's birth which suggests a significant age gap between the parents.

Siblings: Lonnie had six brothers.

Residence: He spent his childhood and adolescence in Brown County, Texas, living in rural areas and Brownwood.

Education and Work:

Education: Lonnie had a grammar school education. This was noted on his draft registration.

Occupation: Prior to military service, he worked as a farm laborer, reflecting the predominantly agricultural nature of the area at the time.

Camp Bowie: He worked at Camp Bowie prior to his enlistment.

Marriage:

Spouse: He married Miss Ruth Pauline Goins on February 24, 1941, in Brownwood, Texas.

Children: They had two children.

Next of Kin: During his draft registration, he listed his wife as his next of kin. This highlights the fact that his primary contact for the military would be his wife, Ruth.

Military Service:

Draft Registration: Lonnie registered for the draft on February 16, 1942, in Brownwood, Texas while working at Camp Bowie.

Enlistment: He enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 8, 1943, in Dallas, Texas from civilian life.

Service Details: His service number was 38506596. He was a Private in the 329th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division.

European Theater: He served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.

Death and Burial:

Date and Location of Death: Lonnie was killed in action on August 5, 1944, at Chattauneuf, France.

Temporary Burial: He was initially buried in a temporary grave in France.

Repatriation: His remains were repatriated to America in 1948, after the war.

Final Resting Place: He was reinterred in the Greenleaf Cemetery at Brownwood, Brown County, Texas on July 17, 1948.

Important Quotes from the Source:

"Lonnie L. Bien asn-38506596 a married white male born Texas in 1921 residing in Brown County, Texas working as a farm laborer with a grammar school education enlisted from civilian life into the US Army at Dallas, Texas on 8 November 1943." - This quote succinctly summarizes key personal and service information.

"Private Lonnie L. Bien 38536596 US Army 329th Infantry Regiment 83rd Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operation and was killed in action on 5 August 1944 at Chattauneuf, France." - This quote details his military unit, service location and time of death.

Conclusion:

Lonnie Lester Bien's life was marked by his rural upbringing, his marriage and then his military service during World War II. His story exemplifies the sacrifices made by countless individuals during that time. The information provided gives a detailed picture of his life trajectory, from his birth and early life to his final burial in his home county. The facts are presented in chronological order, allowing an easy to understand narrative.