Briefing Document: Eldon E. Vinson

Subject: Biographical Information and Military Service of Eldon E. Vinson

Date: October 26, 2023

Summary: This document outlines the life and military service of Eldon E. Vinson, born in 1925 in Texas. It tracks his life through childhood, his enlistment in the US Navy, and his tragic death during World War II. The document highlights the harsh realities of war and the lasting impact on families.

Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Family:

Eldon E. Vinson was born on February 17, 1925, in Comanche County, Texas.

His parents were Ida T. Gilder (born 1897) and James Arthur Vinson (born 1895).

He grew up in Comanche County, Texas, on a family farm. The family lived in JP5, Comanche County, Texas.

He had at least two sisters and a brother. His grandmother, Margaret Gilder, also lived with them in 1940.

The Vinson family resided in the area of RFD.3, Dublin, Texas.

Military Enlistment:

He registered for the draft in Comanche County, Texas, on February 20, 1943, while working on the family farm.

He enlisted in the US Navy as an apprentice seaman on July 2, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, from civilian life.

His service number was nsn-8406159.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Arthur Vinson of Rt. 3, Dublin, Texas, were listed as his next of kin.

He is described as a single white male born in Texas.

Military Service and Death:

He served as a Coxswain in the US Navy Reserve.

He participated in the invasion of the Philippines.

While serving on Leyte Island, his barge was "blown up by the enemy Japanese combat forces."

He sustained multiple severe burns in the explosion.

He was initially treated at the US Navy Base infirmary at Tacloban, Eastern Visayas, P.I., before being transferred on January 5, 1945, to the LST-464.

On January 6, 1945, he was transferred to the USS Bountiful hospital ship for treatment.

He was transported by the Bountiful to a hospital in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. The voyage took about seven days.

He died of his injuries on January 15, 1945, in Papua New Guinea.

Burial and Repatriation:

He was initially buried in a temporary grave until after the war.

His remains were repatriated to America in 1948.

He was reinterred in the De Leon Cemetery at De Leon, Comanche County, Texas, on June 29, 1948.

Key Quotes:

"While serving on Leyte Island, his barge was blown up by the enemy Japanese combat forces. He sustained multiple serious burns in the explosion."

"He died of his injuries on 15 January 1945."

"He was buried in a temporary grave until after the war when in 1948 his remains were repatriated to America and reinterred in the De Leon Cemetery at De Leon, Comanche County, Texas on 29 June 1948."

Analysis:

This information paints a picture of a young man, Eldon E. Vinson, who grew up on a family farm in Texas and was thrust into the horrors of World War II. The document demonstrates the risks faced by US forces in the Pacific Theater, emphasizing the devastating consequences of war on individual lives. The text is a micro study of one life, and serves as a testament to the sacrifices made during this global conflict. The reburial years after his death underscores the commitment to bring home the war dead.