Briefing Document: William Robert Flippin

Subject: Biographical and Military Service Summary of William Robert Flippin

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpts from "Pasted Text" (provided)

1. Overview:

This document provides a detailed biographical account of William Robert Flippin, focusing on his upbringing in rural Texas, his military service during World War II, and his tragic death in action on Okinawa. The information is primarily drawn from census records, military records, and family information.

2. Key Biographical Details:

Birth and Family:Born November 17, 1924, in Pioneer, Eastland County, Texas.

Parents: Phenia Mae Tabor (b. 1905, d. 1969) and Jesse William Flippin (b. 1899, d. 1965).

Had two sisters (unnamed in this document).

Early Life & Education:Lived in various locations in Limestone County, Texas during his childhood (1930, 1935, 1940).

Attended grammar school in Coolidge, Limestone County, Texas.

By 1942, living in Pioneer, Eastland County, Texas and working on the family farm.

Marriage:Married Roxie Lee Partee on October 21, 1943, in Brown County, Texas.

They had one son, William R. Flippin Jr., born in Eastland, Eastland County, Texas.

3. Military Service:

Draft Registration: Registered for the draft on December 28, 1942, at Cross Plains, Texas, while living in Pioneer. He was working "at home with father and mother on a farm" and listed his father as his next of kin.

Enlistment: Enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Private on July 21, 1944, in Dallas, Texas. His Army Serial Number (ASN) was 38631945. He was described as a married, white male born in Texas in 1924, working as a farmhand with a grammar school education from Eastland County, Texas.

Training: Trained in Camp Wolters, Texas.

Assignment: Assigned to I Company, 383rd Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division.

Okinawa Campaign:The 96th Infantry Division landed on Okinawa on April 1, 1945, as part of the U.S. assault.

The division faced fierce resistance, particularly at Kakazu Ridge from April 7-16, 1945.

They successfully assaulted and breached the Tanabaru Nishibaru line (April 17-23).

The 96th was relieved by the 77th Infantry Division on April 30, 1945.

They returned to the offensive on May 10, 1945, and captured Conical-Sugar Hill Ridge on May 21, 1945.

Death: Private First Class (Pfc) William R. Flippin was killed in action on May 24, 1945, in Okinawa, Japan.

4. Post-Mortem:

Initial Burial: Initially buried in a temporary grave in Okinawa.

Repatriation: His remains were repatriated to the United States in 1949.

Final Burial: Reinterred in the Pioneer Cemetery at Pioneer, Eastland County, Texas, on March 24, 1949.

5. Key Quotes:

Regarding his occupation at draft registration: "working 'at home with father and mother on a farm'"

On his enlistment details: "William R. Flippin asn-38631945 a married white male born Texas in 1924 residing in Eastland County, Texas working as a farmhand with a grammar school education enlisted from civilian life into the US Army as a private at Dallas, Texas on 21 July 1944."

On the unit's experiences: "Resistance stiffened considerably as the division advanced to Kakazu Ridge, where fighting was fierce, from 7 to 16 April 1945."

6. Main Themes:

Rural American Life: Flippin's life reflects the experiences of many young men from rural America during the early 20th century.

World War II Service & Sacrifice: His military service highlights the intense fighting of the Okinawa campaign, and his death underscores the significant human cost of the war.

Family and Loss: The information provided details the family history and highlights the lasting grief and impact on his family after his death, and the effort to bring his remains back home for burial.

Documented Life: The text shows how census data and military records can piece together a person's life history.

7. Conclusion:

William Robert Flippin's story is a microcosm of the experiences of many young men who served in World War II. His life, though tragically cut short, is documented through historical records, allowing for a deeper understanding of his personal journey and the sacrifices made during the war. This briefing doc consolidates those known facts.