Briefing Document: Edward Lee Roberts

Subject: Biographical Information on Edward Lee Roberts

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpt of biographical information regarding Edward Lee Roberts

Summary: This document outlines the key life events of Edward Lee Roberts, born December 29, 1924, primarily focusing on his family life, military service, and tragic death.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Edward Lee Roberts was born in Comanche County, Texas, on December 29, 1924, to Flosie Holmes Burks (born October 13, 1907) and Ruben Roberts (born January 7, 1906).

Both of his parents were relatively young at the time of his birth (Flosie was 17 and Ruben was 18).

He grew up in Comanche, Texas, and was part of a family with at least two sisters and one brother. The census records show he was in Comanche, Texas, from 1930 to 1940.

He attended schools in Comanche, Texas.

Marriage:

He married Miss Willie Jean Ripley of Comanche, Texas, on September 21, 1941. This indicates he married young, at 16 years old.

World War II Service:

Roberts registered for the World War II draft on December 29, 1942, his 18th birthday. He was working at the Shamrock Cafe at the time.

His mother, Flossie Roberts, was listed as his next of kin.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on April 17, 1943, from civilian life.

The text explicitly states, "Edward L. Roberts asn-38372869 a married white male born in Texas residing in Comanche County, Texas and working in a cafe with a high school education enlisted from civilian life in the US Army Air Corps on 17 April 1943."

He was trained at various camps, including Camp Wolters, Texas, and Kearns, Utah.

He spent nearly three years overseas during WWII.

He received an honorable discharge on November 2, 1945, but reenlisted the very next day.

Post-War Service and Death:

After reenlisting, he became a Corporal and was stationed at Camp Ajo, Arizona.

The text identifies him as, "Corporal Edward Lee Roberts 38372869 US Army Air Forces."

He died in a tragic accident on October 16, 1946, near Gila Bend Airfield, Arizona when the Army truck he was driving collided with another Army truck.

According to his Arizona death certificate, his death was caused by electrocution, but details of this were not provided beyond the fact that it was an accidental wreck.

His body was returned to Comanche, Texas for a military funeral and burial at Oakwood Cemetery on October 22, 1946.

Posthumous Child:

Five months after his death, his wife gave birth to their daughter on March 24, 1947, in Comanche, Texas. This demonstrates the loss his family experienced.

Key Facts & Ideas:

Young Age at Key Milestones: Edward Lee Roberts was remarkably young when he married, joined the military, and when he died.

Family Ties: The information suggests deep roots in Comanche County, Texas, both for Edward and his family.

Military Service: His service was a significant part of his life, lasting from 1943 to 1946, spanning much of World War II and a portion of the post-war period.

Sudden and Tragic End: His death in a seemingly routine accident involving an Army truck is an abrupt and sad end to his biography.

Family Legacy: The birth of his daughter after his death adds another layer of poignancy to his story.

Conclusion:

Edward Lee Roberts's life was cut short by tragedy. The available information shows a man who grew up in a close-knit Texas community, served his country, and who left behind a grieving family. His brief life encompasses major historical events, from the Great Depression to World War II and its aftermath, providing a microcosm of those eras.