Briefing Document: Paul Hogan Young

Subject: Life and Military Service of Paul Hogan Young

Date: October 26, 2023

Source: Excerpts from unspecified text.

Summary: This document outlines the key events in the life of Paul Hogan Young, with a particular focus on his military service in the US Marine Corps during World War II. The information primarily covers his birth, family life, military enlistment, combat experience, and ultimate sacrifice.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Born on November 24, 1920, in Ranger, Eastland County, Texas.

Parents were Gertrude Allie Copeland and Joel M. Young. His mother was 30 years old and his father 36 years old at the time of his birth.

Family moved between Texas and New Mexico. In 1930, at age 9, he lived in Eastland County, Texas and by 1935, the family was in Lovington, Lea County, New Mexico. By the 1940 census, he was living with his parents and a nephew in Lovington, New Mexico at age 19.

Military Enlistment and Training:

Registered for the draft on February 16, 1942, in Lovington, New Mexico, while unemployed. He listed his father as his next of kin contact.

Enlisted in the US Marine Corps on February 19, 1942, in Oklahoma.

Completed recruit training in San Diego, California.

Transferred to the Weapons Company 6th Marines at Camp Elliott, San Diego in July 1942.

Transferred in January 1943 to the Weapons Company 6th Marines, 2nd Division FMF duty in the field. At that time he listed his mother as his next of kin contact.

Combat Service and Death:

Served as a Corporal with the Weapons Company, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.

Participated in the landings at Saipan's Red Beach on June 15, 1944, which was described as "the most difficult storm landing in regimental history." The landing was under heavy fire, and two of three battalion commanders were wounded early in the assault.

The 6th Marines repulsed several tank-supported counterattacks the following day, securing the beachhead.

Cpl. Young was wounded during the landing on June 15th, "possibly taken to a hospital ship off shore".

Died of his wounds on June 20, 1944, and was buried at sea.

Posthumous Recognition:

Awarded the Bronze Star for his "heroic courageous actions."

Also received the Purple Heart for his combat wounds.

Remembered at the Courts of the Missing and Buried at Sea at the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Key Quotes:

On the Saipan landing: "The 6th Marines landed under heavy fire at Saipan's Red Beach on 15 June 1944. This was the most difficult storm landing in regimental history, two of three battalion commanders were seriously wounded in the first minutes ashore."

On Cpl. Young's actions: "Posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic courageous actions."

Analysis:

Paul Hogan Young’s story exemplifies the experiences of many young men who served in World War II. The text shows his journey from a civilian life in rural Texas and New Mexico to his eventual participation in a major and brutal amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater. The change in next of kin from his father to his mother could possibly indicate a change in his relationship with his parents or a move to keep them both abreast of his condition. The description of the intense combat during the Saipan landing highlights the significant risks and sacrifices made by Marine Corps personnel. The posthumous awards of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart underscore Young's bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the war.

Conclusion:

This document provides a chronological outline of Paul Hogan Young's life and military service. His story is a testament to the courage and sacrifice made by American soldiers during World War II, particularly during the fierce fighting in the Pacific. His service and death are memorialized through his posthumous awards and inclusion in the Honolulu Memorial. This briefing provides a good overview of Paul H. Young and his war record.