BRIEFING DOCUMENT

Subject: Private Estell A. Spinks – Service and Sacrifice in World War II

Date: October 26, 2023

Source: Excerpt of text detailing the service and death of Pvt. Estell A. Spinks.

Overview: This briefing document details the service and ultimate sacrifice of Private Estell A. Spinks, a soldier in the U.S. Army during World War II. It highlights his unit's deployment, combat engagement, and his tragic death. The document further outlines the timeline of his burial and repatriation.

Key Themes & Ideas:

Deployment and Unit Assignment:

Pvt. Estell A. Spinks (Service Number: 38686799) was assigned to K Company, 253rd Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.

He arrived in Marseille, France on December 8, 1944.

This indicates his unit was part of the forces that landed in southern France after the Normandy invasion, part of the Allied effort to liberate Europe.

After arrival, his unit trained at Haguenau.

Combat Role:

Spinks' unit was designated as "Task Force Harris."

Task Force Harris was responsible for protecting the eastern flank of the Seventh Army along the Rhine River.

This highlights the strategic importance of their position during the late stages of the war.

The Task Force engaged in defensive combat from December 22 to 30, 1944 against German forces. This indicates heavy fighting during the period.

Tragic Loss:

Pvt. Spinks was "seriously wounded by German machine gun fire on 24 December 1944."

He succumbed to his injuries and died in a field hospital on "Christmas Day 1944."

This underscores the brutal reality of combat, where even holidays were marked by tragedy and loss. The proximity of his death to Christmas adds to the poignancy of his sacrifice.

Burial and Repatriation:

Pvt. Spinks was initially buried in a "temporary grave in France."

This temporary burial reflects the immediate circumstances of wartime burials, which often prioritized quick disposition and identification.

After the war, in 1948, his remains were repatriated to America.

His final resting place was in the "Oakview Cemetery at Mullin, Mills County, Texas," where he was reinterred on Saturday, August 21, 1948. This highlights the efforts made to ensure the remains of fallen soldiers were returned home to their families.

Key Facts:

Name: Private Estell A. Spinks

Service Number: 38686799

Unit: K Company, 253rd Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division

Arrival in France: December 8, 1944

Combat Engagement: December 22-30, 1944

Date of Wounding: December 24, 1944

Date of Death: December 25, 1944

Initial Burial: Temporary grave in France

Repatriation: 1948

Final Burial: Oakview Cemetery, Mullin, Mills County, Texas (August 21, 1948)

Quotes:

"... Pvt Spinks was seriously wounded by German machine gun fire on 24 December 1944 and died in a field hospital on Christmas Day 1944."

"...reinterred in the Oakview Cemetery at Mullin, Mills County, Texas on Saturday 21 August 1948."

Conclusion:

This brief document highlights the service and sacrifice of Private Estell A. Spinks. It showcases the reality of war, from deployment and combat to loss and repatriation. The details emphasize the impact of global conflict on individual lives and the long process of healing even after the fighting ends. The repatriation and reburial of Spinks' remains underscore the dedication to honoring those who gave their lives in service to their country.