Briefing Document: Antonio De Hoyos

Subject: Life and Military Service of Antonio De Hoyos

Date: October 26, 2023

Source: Excerpts from a pasted text document.

Overview: This document details the life and military service of Antonio De Hoyos, born in Texas in 1909, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was killed in action in Italy. The information is primarily based on census records, military enlistment data, and details of his death during the Battle of San Pietro.

Key Themes & Facts:

Immigrant Family Origins:

Antonio De Hoyos was born on November 27, 1909, in Brady, Texas. His parents and siblings had immigrated from Mexico in 1908. This background provides context for his life experiences and his potential motivations for serving in the U.S. Army.

Early Life & Mobility:

The census data shows that De Hoyos and his family moved around within Texas. In 1920, he was living with his mother and brothers in San Antonio. By 1930, at age 20, he worked as a farmhand, living with his uncle and aunt in McCulloch County. This early movement indicates a life tied to agricultural work.

Life in New York:

The 1940 census records him living as a lodger in Manhattan, New York City, suggesting a period of migration away from Texas before returning to enlist. "1940 census Age 32 living with Acevados as a lodger in AD17 Manhattan, New York City, New York, New York."

Military Enlistment & Training:

De Hoyos registered for the draft in October 1940 while working in Melvin, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army as a private on January 13, 1941, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. "Registered for the draft at Brady, McCulloch County, Texas on 16 October 1940...enlisted from civilian life into the US Army as a private at Ft Sam Houston, Texas on 13 January 1941."

He was trained with the 36th Division at Camp Bowie and was assigned the service number asn-38025480. "Trained at Camp Bowie with the 36th Division"

Deployment to North Africa and Italy:

His unit shipped out to North Africa on September 6, 1942. This marks his active involvement in World War II. "shipped out to North Africa on 6 September 1942."

He was part of E Company, 2nd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment of the 36th Infantry Division.

Death in the Battle of San Pietro:

Pvt. De Hoyos was killed in action on December 15, 1943, during the Battle of San Pietro, a major engagement within the Italian Campaign of World War II. This battle was part of the effort to breach the German 'Winter Line.' "Pvt De Hoyos was killed in action against the enemy German forces on 15 December 1943 in the vicinity of San Pietro Infine, Italy."

The battle involved intense fighting against heavily fortified German positions. "in the Battle of San Pietro, a major engagement from 8 to 17 December 1943, in the Italian Campaign of World War II involving Allied forces attacking from the south against heavily fortified positions of the German 'Winter Line' in and around the town of San Pietro Infine..."

Repatriation and Burial:

He was initially buried in Italy. "He was buried there in a temporary grave..."

After the war, his remains were repatriated and reinterred in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, on October 18, 1948. "...after the war his remains were repatriated to America and reinterred in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas on Monday 18 October 1948."

Family Connections:

His next of kin was listed as his uncle, Mr. Jose De Hoyos, of Melvin, Texas. This highlights that even after moving around, family ties remained important. "listed his uncle, Mr. Jose De Hoyos of Melvin, as his next of kin contact."

Key Quotes:

"Antonio De Hoyos born 27 November 1909 in Brady, McCulloch County, Texas. His parents and siblings born in Mexico crossed into Texas from Mexico in 1908."

"Private Antonio De Hoyos 38025480 US Army E Company 2nd Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment 36th Infantry Division in the Battle of San Pietro..."

"Pvt De Hoyos was killed in action against the enemy German forces on 15 December 1943 in the vicinity of San Pietro Infine, Italy."

Conclusion:

The provided text paints a picture of a life marked by immigration, mobility, service, and ultimate sacrifice. Antonio De Hoyos' story is a reminder of the human cost of war, and the importance of remembering individuals who served in significant conflicts. His life was shaped by the broader historical events of his time, including Mexican immigration to the US and World War II. This document provides an essential outline of his life and contributions.