Briefing Document: Lowell Clarence Maxwell

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Biographical Summary and Military Service of Lowell Clarence Maxwell

Overview: This document provides a summary of the life and military service of Lowell Clarence Maxwell, based on the provided source text. The focus is on his early life, education, military enlistment, and his ultimate fate during World War II.

Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Family:Lowell Clarence Maxwell was born on March 13, 1921, in Coleman, Texas.

His parents were Mary Hudson and Clarence Victor 'John' Maxwell. His mother was 21 at the time of his birth, his father was 26.

The text indicates that in 1935 he lived in JP3 Smith County, Texas and by 1940, was living in the same location with his parents, a sister, and his grandmother.

Education:He graduated from Talpa High School in 1940.

He attended John Tarleton Agricultural College and A&M College. He had two years of college education when he enlisted in the military.

Military Enlistment & Training:Maxwell registered for the draft on February 16, 1942, in Erath County, Texas, while being a student at John Tarleton College in Stephenville, Texas. His local board was in Coleman County, Texas.

His mother, Mrs. Mary Maxwell, was listed as his next of kin, living at 515 W 12th, Coleman, Texas.

He enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps on June 6, 1942, at College Station, Texas. His identification was asn-18072515

He trained in California and at Fort Benning, Georgia.

He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant on June 21, 1943, at Fort Benning.

MarriageHe married Miss Celeste Melton in Columbus, Georgia on October 6, 1943

Military Service - 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division:Maxwell was a First Lieutenant (O-1321322) in the 507th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division.

The 507th PIR was activated on July 20, 1942 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The 507th was attached to the 82nd Airborne after arriving in North Ireland in December 1943 along with the 508th PIR

The 507th moved to Nottingham, England in March 1944 to prepare for the D-Day invasion.

The 507th first saw combat during the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944.

D-Day and Death:During the D-Day jump, the 507th PIR's troopers were widely scattered due to "sporadic jump patterns," with some landing over a twenty-mile area.

Some paratroopers landed in the Merderet River and marshes, leading to drownings for those carrying heavy equipment.

Many troopers were either captured, killed or moved through the countryside to link up with other units.

"1Lt Maxwell was killed in action on 11 June 1944 in the vicinity of Graignes, Normandy, France."

Burial:Initially buried in a temporary grave.

His remains were later reinterred in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Important Quotes:

"Lowell C. Maxwell asn-18072515 a single white male born Texas in 1921 residing in Coleman County, Texas being a student with two years of college education enlisted from civilian life into the US Army Quartermaster Corps as a private at College Station, Texas on 6 June 1942."

"In the predawn hours of D-Day the sporadic jump patterns of the 507th PIR left troopers spread out over a twenty mile area."

"1Lt Maxwell was killed in action on 11 June 1944 in the vicinity of Graignes, Normandy, France."

Analysis/Implications:

This text provides a detailed snapshot of the life of a young man who, like many others, answered the call to service during World War II. The text highlights the dangers of paratrooper operations during D-Day, with chaotic landings contributing to significant losses. Maxwell's rapid rise from private to First Lieutenant underscores his aptitude and leadership qualities but ultimately could not save him from the tragic realities of war.

Conclusion:

Lowell Clarence Maxwell was a young man from Texas who served with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. His life was cut short by his death in action during the Normandy campaign in June 1944. His story, while brief, highlights the sacrifices made by many during that conflict.