Briefing Document: Al Bernard Carroll

Subject: Life and Military Service of Al Bernard Carroll

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpt from a biographical text

Overview:

This document provides a summary of the life and military service of Al Bernard Carroll, a Texan who served in the US Army during World War II. The text details his family background, early life, military enlistment, and his heroic actions and death during combat in Bougainville, Solomon Islands.

Key Themes & Facts:

Early Life and Family:

Born January 6, 1924, in Lohn, McCulloch County, Texas, to Johnnie Brown Hampton and Oscar Wilbur Carroll.

His parents were 34 and 37 respectively at his birth.

He grew up in rural Texas, living in Lohn, McCulloch County.

The text indicates he lived with his parents and multiple siblings in 1930, 1935, and 1940.

Military Service and Enlistment:

Registered for the draft on June 30, 1942, in Brady, McCulloch County, Texas, while living in Lohn and unemployed. He listed his father as his next of kin.

Married Margaret Aleene Gainer in 1942 in Texas City, Galveston County, Texas. They had a daughter in 1943.

Enlisted in the US Army as a private on March 3, 1943, from civilian life at Abilene, Texas.

His service number was 38371974. He is described as a married white male born in Texas in 1924, residing in McCulloch County, and working as a farmer at the time of enlistment.

Combat Action and Death:

Served as a Private First Class in F Company, 164th Infantry Regiment, Americal Division.

Engaged in combat at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on Tuesday, January 18, 1944.

Heroic Action: "On that date, as the point, defending his platoon's right flank, Private First Class Carroll suffered painful wounds in his shoulder." Despite these wounds, he refused to retire for medical treatment, understanding that his fire power was critical to the platoon's defense. He "bravely refused, knowing that the fire-power of his automatic weapon would give his platoon the time needed to prove its defense. Disregarding his wounds he continued firing effectively until he was mortally wounded by Japanese enemy machine-gun fire."

Burial and Posthumous Honors:

Initially buried in a temporary grave at Bougainville.

His remains were repatriated to America after the war in 1948.

Reinterred in the Lohn Cemetery at Lohn, McCulloch County, Texas, on Thursday, July 1, 1948.

Posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice.

Important Quotes:

"... Private First Class Carroll suffered painful wounds in his shoulder. When the platoon leader gave him permission to retire for medical treatment, Private First Class Carroll bravely refused, knowing that the fire-power of his automatic weapon would give his platoon the time needed to prove its defense." This quote highlights the courageous nature of his actions under fire.

"Disregarding his wounds he continued firing effectively until he was mortally wounded by Japanese enemy machine-gun fire." This quote describes the moment of his death in the line of duty.

Conclusion:

Al Bernard Carroll's story is one of a young man from rural Texas who answered the call to service in World War II. He displayed exceptional bravery and selflessness on the battlefield, sacrificing his life to defend his fellow soldiers. His actions and honors demonstrate his valor and dedication to his duty, leaving a legacy as an American hero.