BRIEFING DOCUMENT: Robert Newton Morris

Date: October 26, 2023 (Date of document generation)

Subject: Summary of Information on Robert Newton Morris

Source Material: Excerpts from "Pasted Text"

1. Introduction:

This briefing document provides a summary of the life and military service of Robert Newton Morris, based on the provided text. The information covers his birth, family, early life, military service, and ultimately, his death in action during World War II.

2. Biographical Information:

Full Name: Robert Newton Morris

Birth Date: July 6, 1922

Birth Place: Brownwood, Brown County, Texas

Parents:Claudia Estelle Staggs (b. 1883, Brown County, Texas - d. 1963, Brownwood, Texas)

Samuel Ernest Morris (b. 1879, Brownwood, Texas - d. 1954, Brownwood, Texas)

Family Details: The text indicates he had at least one brother and one sister.

Childhood: He lived in Brown County, Texas throughout his childhood (1930, 1935, and 1940).

Education: Completed four years of high school.

Pre-Military Occupation: Worked as a retail manager.

Draft Registration: Registered for the draft on June 30, 1942, in Brownwood, Texas, while working at Camp Bowie.

Key Quote Regarding Family and Early Life:

"Robert Newton Morris born 6 July 1922 in Brownwood, Brown County, Texas to Claudia Estelle Staggs (b. 1883 Brown County - d. 1963 Brownwood, Texas) age 39 and Samuel Ernest Morris (b. 1879 Brownwood, Texas - d. 1954 Brownwood, Texas) age 43."

3. Military Service:

Enlistment: Enlisted into the U.S. Army as a private on October 9, 1942, in Abilene, Texas. He enlisted from civilian life.

Army Service Number: 38229712

Rank: Rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt).

Unit: Served with the 383rd Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division.

Key Details Regarding Enlistment: "Robert N. Morris asn-38229712 a single white male born Texas in 1922 residing in Brown County, Texas working as a retail manager with four years of high school education enlisted from civilian life into the US Army as a private at Abilene, Texas on 9 October 1942."

Deployment: Participated in the initial assault landing of the 96th Division on Leyte Island, Philippines on October 20, 1944.

4. Death and Burial:

Date of Death: Killed in action on October 26, 1944.

Location of Death: Died while his company was fighting Japanese forces between Dulag and Tanauan, Philippines.

Burial: Initially buried in a temporary grave. His remains were later reinterred at the Manila American Cemetery in Manila, Philippines.

Key Quote Regarding Death and Military Service:

"Staff Sergeant Robert N. Morris 38229712 US Army 383rd Infantry Regiment 96th Infantry Division was a participant in the initial assault landing of the 96th division on the beaches of Leyte Island, Philippines 20 October 1944. His company was fighting the enemy Japanese forces between Dulag and Tanauan when he was killed in action on 26 October 1944."

5. Key Themes and Important Facts:

The Tragedy of War: The document highlights the personal toll of war, demonstrating the young life cut short due to military conflict.

Local Boy: Robert N. Morris was a man born and raised in Brown County, Texas, and his life was deeply connected to that place prior to the war.

Rapid Promotion: The text shows that he rose from private to Staff Sergeant within two years of his enlistment, suggesting he was a capable soldier.

World War II Pacific Theater: The document gives a snapshot of a soldier's experience in one of the major battles of the Pacific Theater, emphasizing the ferocity and deadly reality of the campaign.

Ultimate Sacrifice: SSgt Morris died in service and his remains are buried at a military cemetery overseas. This speaks to the dedication and sacrifice of soldiers like him.

Early Life Information: Information provided in the source indicates that his parents were older at his birth (ages 39 and 43), and he was a young adult when he was drafted in WWII.

6. Conclusion:

This document provides a basic understanding of the life and service of Robert Newton Morris. It shows his journey from a civilian life in Texas to his death as a soldier in World War II, underscoring his sacrifice during the war.