Briefing Document: Noel Lee Bilbrey - A Life Cut Short

Subject: Analysis of the life and military service of Noel Lee Bilbrey based on provided biographical information.

Date: October 26, 2023

1. Introduction:

This briefing document outlines the key life events of Noel Lee Bilbrey, drawing from the provided biographical text. It details his family background, early life, military service, and ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

2. Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Family: Noel Lee Bilbrey was born on August 18, 1921, in Winchell, Brown County, Texas. His parents were Minnie Marcella Waldrip and Charlie Jefferson Bilbrey.

His mother was 38 and father 48 at the time of his birth.

"Noel Lee Bilbrey born 18 August 1921 in Winchell, Brown County, Texas to Minnie Marcella Waldrip (b. 1882 Burnet, Texas - d. 1966 Brownwood, Texas) Age 38 and Charlie Jefferson Bilbrey (b. 1872 Bell County, Texas - d.1950 Brownwood, Texas) Age 48."

Childhood in Brown County, Texas: Census records from 1930 and 1940 place Noel and his family in Brown County, Texas.

In 1930, at age 8, Noel lived with his parents, four brothers, and one sister.

By 1940, at age 18, he was still living with his parents and one brother.

"1930 Census Age 8 living in Brown County, Texas with parents, four brothers and one sister. 1935 living in Brown County, Texas. 1940 census Age 18 living in Brown County, Texas with parents and one brother."

Pre-War Life: Noel worked in construction and had a grammar school education.

He registered for the draft in Brownwood, Texas, on February 16, 1942.

His mother, Minnie Marcella Waldrip, was his next of kin contact at that time.

"Registered for the draft in Brownwood, Brown County, Texas on 16 February 1942 and listed his mother as next of kin contact."

"Noel L. Bilbrey asn-38229772 a single white male born Texas in 1921 residing in Brown County, Texas working in construction with a grammar school education"

Military Enlistment: Noel enlisted in the U.S. Army as a private on October 9, 1942, in Abilene, Texas.

He was a single white male.

He entered service from civilian life.

"enlisted from civilian life into the US Army as a private at Abilene, Texas on 9 October 1942."

Military Service and Death:He was assigned to the 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division.

He served in the Southwest Pacific Theater against Japanese forces.

He was wounded in action on Leyte Island, Philippines, on November 19, 1944.

"Private First Class Noel L. Bilbrey 38229772 US Army 128th Infantry Regiment 32nd Infantry Division in the southwest Pacific Theater of Operations against enemy Japanese forces and was wounded in action on 19 November 1944 on the Leyte Island, Philippines."

He died of his wounds the following day, November 20, 1944.

"Pvt Bilbrey died of his wounds the next day on 20 November 1944."

Burial:He was initially buried in a temporary grave in the Philippines.

His remains were repatriated to America in 1949.

He was reinterred in the Greenleaf Cemetery at Brownwood, Brown County, Texas on April 20, 1949.

"He was buried in a temporary grave there in the Philippines until after the war when his remains were repatriated to America in 1949 and reinterred in the Greenleaf Cemetery at Brownwood, Brown County, Texas on 20 April 1949."

3. Conclusion:

The life of Noel Lee Bilbrey represents the experiences of many young Americans who served in World War II. His journey, from a young man growing up in rural Texas to a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice, is captured in this brief overview of his life. The text highlights his family connections, his transition into military service, and the details surrounding his death and final resting place. The details of his service highlight the brutal reality of the conflict in the Pacific Theater and the dedication of American troops like him.