Briefing Document: Elwain Evans Doggett - WWII Service and Sacrifice

Subject: Analysis of the life and military service of Elwain Evans Doggett, a soldier in World War II.

Source: https://hotvetsmem.com/ww2cas/ww2mills/hotww2hrbiomills.html#EEDo

Overview: This document outlines the life of Elwain Evans Doggett, from his birth in Texas through his military service in World War II, culminating in his death in action and posthumous honors. The information primarily focuses on his family background, pre-war life, military enlistment, combat experience, death, and final burial.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Born June 11, 1916, in Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas, to Bertha Mabel Evans and Walter Lee Doggett.

His father was a deputy sheriff and ran the county jail.

Lived with his family in Mills County throughout his youth, as evidenced by the 1920, 1930, and 1940 census records.

Had multiple siblings (two brothers and two sisters by 1940).

Pre-War Occupation:

Worked as a surveyor in Goldthwaite, Texas, before enlisting in the Army.

Had four years of high school education.

Military Enlistment and Service:

Registered for the draft on October 16, 1940, in Goldthwaite, Texas.

Enlisted in the U.S. Army as a private on November 19, 1940, in Dallas, Texas.

Assigned ASN-38035022.

Initially stationed at Camp Bowie for three years as a military police officer.

Later volunteered to go overseas.

Served as a Staff Sergeant in the 379th Infantry Regiment of the 95th Infantry Division.

Combat and Death:

Participated in the drive towards Metz, France, in November 1944.

The 379th Infantry was involved in heavy fighting, taking St Hubert Farm and Moscou Farm.

Task Force Bacon pushed into the northeast part of Metz, overrunning Fort St. Julien and Fort Bellacroix.

The division reached the Moselle River, finding most bridges destroyed.

"SSgt Doggett is killed in action during this drive against the enemy German forces".

His unit reached the Moselle River at Moulins-les-Metz, where a bridge was down and during the fight there, he was killed.

Posthumous Recognition and Burial:

Awarded the Silver Star Medal, posthumously, for his gallantry in action.

Received the Purple Heart.

Initially buried in a temporary grave in France.

His remains were repatriated to America in 1948.

Reinterred in the Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery at Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas on September 2, 1948.

Key Quotes:

"Elwain E. Doggett asn-38035022 a single white male born Texas in 1916 residing in Mills County, Texas working as a surveyor with four years of high school education enlisted from civilian life into the US Army as a private at Dallas, Texas on 19 November 1940."

"SSgt Doggett is killed in action during this drive against the enemy German forces and is awarded the Silver Star Medal, posthumously, for his gallantry in action."

Analysis:

Elwain Evans Doggett's story is a microcosm of many American lives during World War II. He transitioned from a civilian surveyor in rural Texas to a soldier engaged in fierce combat in Europe. His military service reflects the broader context of the war, specifically the hard fighting required to liberate France. Doggett's commitment, valor, and sacrifice are evident from his enlistment, his willingness to go overseas, and ultimately his death in action, earning him the Silver Star. The repatriation of his remains and his final burial in his home town highlight the enduring impact of war on individuals and their families.

Conclusion:

This document provides a detailed overview of Elwain Evans Doggett's life and military service during World War II. His story exemplifies the sacrifices made by countless individuals during that conflict and serves as a testament to his bravery and the profound impact of the war on American communities. This overview can serve as a basis for further research and understanding of his life and the experiences of soldiers during World War II.