Briefing Document: William Albert Earnhart

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Biographical and Military Service Summary of William Albert Earnhart Source: Excerpt from "Pasted Text"

Executive Summary:

This document outlines the key life events of William Albert "Bill" Earnhart, focusing on his upbringing in Texas, his military service during World War II, and his ultimate sacrifice in Italy. The document details his family, education, military enlistment, combat experience, and the circumstances of his death and eventual burial.

Key Themes & Facts:

Early Life and Family:

William Albert "Bill" Earnhart was born on September 27, 1922, in Santa Anna, Coleman County, Texas.

His parents were Cora Isabelle Younts and Richard Patrick Earnhart. Cora was 30 years old at the time of William's birth while Richard was 32.

He grew up in Coleman County, Texas, and was recorded in the 1930 census as living with his parents and three siblings at the age of 7.

He attended schools in Whon, Santa Anna, and Trickham.

Military Enlistment:

Earnhart registered for the draft on June 30, 1942, in Santa Anna, Texas, while unemployed. He listed his father as his next-of-kin.

He married Miss Ilene Hodges on November 21, 1942, in Santa Anna.

He enlisted in the US Army as a private on December 7, 1942, from civilian life at Abilene, Texas. His service number was 38368250.

He was described as a married, white male born in Texas in 1922, with some years of high school education, residing in Coleman County, Texas.

Military Service and Combat:

Earnhart trained at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma before being deployed to North Africa via New York in August 1943.

He served as a Private First Class with the 173rd Field Artillery Battalion, specifically, 38368250 US Army.

The 173rd Field Artillery Battalion was formed from the 2nd Battalion 126th Field Artillery Regiment and Batteries D, E, and F between September 2, 1943 – September 11, 1945.

The battalion landed in Naples, Italy in November 1943 and proceeded north.

Death in Action:

Earnhart was severely wounded on April 27, 1944, by shrapnel from an enemy shell explosion in the vicinity of Cellole and Minturno, Italy.

He died the next day, April 28, 1944, from his wounds.

Burial and Repatriation:

He was initially buried in a temporary grave in Italy.

In 1949, his remains were repatriated to America.

He was reinterred in the Santa Anna Cemetery at Santa Anna, Coleman County, Texas, on July 10, 1949.

Key Quotes:

"William Albert 'Bill' Earnhart born on 27 September 1922 at Santa Anna, Coleman County, Texas..."

"Married Miss Ilene Hodges on 21 November 1942 at Santa Anna."

"William A. Earnhart asn-38368250 a married white male born Texas in 1922 residing in Coleman County, Texas...enlisted from civilian life into the US Army as a private at Abilene, Texas on 7 December 1942."

"Pfc Earnhart was severely wounded in action on 27 April 1944...and he died the next day 28 April 1944 in the vicinity between Cellole and Minturno, Italy."

"He was buried in a temporary grave until after the war when in 1949 his remains were repatriated to America and reinterred in the Santa Anna Cemetery..."

Conclusion:

The provided text paints a picture of a young man who lived a relatively typical life in rural Texas before World War II, and then made the ultimate sacrifice during his service in Italy. William Albert "Bill" Earnhart's story is one of a life dedicated to family and duty, and underscores the personal costs of war. This document helps to preserve and remember his life and military service.