Briefing Document: William Talmage Head

Subject: Life and Military Service of William Talmage Head

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpts from "Pasted Text" (Provided Document)

Overview: This document outlines the life and military service of William Talmage Head, born August 27, 1912, in Goldthwaite, Texas, who served and died in World War II. The information covers his family background, education, early career, and his progression through the military, culminating in his death in action and eventual repatriation.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Born August 27, 1912, in Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas.

Parents: Annie Idell Lucas and William Wesley Head, both from Mills County, Texas.

His mother was 20 and his father was 24 when he was born.

He grew up in Mills County with multiple brothers.

Family Details:

Annie Idell Lucas: born 1892, died 1955.

William Wesley Head: born 1888, died 1956.

Education and Early Career:

Graduated from Goldthwaite High School in 1930.

Graduated from Daniel Baker College in 1935.

Taught and coached at Talpa ISD for four years after college.

Hired at Strawn ISD in 1939.

1940 Census: Living as a boarder in Strawn, working as a public school teacher.

Military Service:

Registered for the draft on October 16, 1940, in Strawn, Palo Pinto County, Texas.

Listed his father as his next-of-kin contact.

Activated from the National Guard into the U.S. Army Infantry as a Sergeant on November 25, 1940, at Camp Bowie, Brownwood, Texas.

His serial number was asn-20804225

He is listed as a single white male, born in Texas, working as a teacher with four years of college.

Trained with the 36th Infantry Division at Mansfield, Louisiana in 1941.

Appointed Second Lieutenant in May 1941.

Married Najala A. Kawaja (a nurse from Nova Scotia) in January 1942.

Had a son with Najala.

Attended Officers Maintenance Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, June to September 1942.

Trained at Camp Blanding, Florida for maneuvers.

Staged at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts in August 1942.

Promoted to First Lieutenant on January 16, 1943.

Embarked from New York Port of Embarkation on April 2, 1943, for the Mediterranean Theater of Operations.

Served in North Africa, Italy, and France.

Served with A Company, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division (O-415775).

On September 15, 1944 the 36th Division was attached to the French First Army and advanced to the Moselle River near Remiremont.

Death and Recognition:

Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart (posthumously) for extraordinary heroism on September 21, 1944, in France. The quote, "1Lt Head was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for his extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 21 September 1944 in France." details this moment.

Killed in action on December 8, 1944, near Saint Marie Pass, France during an offensive across the Meurthe River.

Initially buried in a temporary grave in France.

Repatriation and Final Resting Place:

Remains repatriated to America in 1948.

Reinterred in the Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery at Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas, on December 14, 1948.

Key Ideas and Facts:

Progression of Service: The document details a clear timeline of Head's career, education, and movement through the ranks of the military.

Valor: The posthumous awards of the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart highlight his bravery in action during World War II.

Family Connection: His registration for the draft shows a connection to his father, who he listed as next of kin. The details about his marriage and son provide a glimpse of his life outside of service.

Tragic End: The document traces the journey of a young man who transitioned from teacher to soldier and ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice during wartime.

Geographical Movement: The information notes the various locations throughout his life and military service, including his birth in Goldthwaite, his teaching position in Talpa and Strawn, training at Camp Bowie and Mansfield, and his final resting place in Goldthwaite, Texas. The different locations in which he fought in WWII are included as well.

Conclusion:

William Talmage Head's life story is one of service and sacrifice. He was a teacher and a soldier who moved across the world from rural Texas to the battlefields of Europe. He rose through the ranks and was recognized for his heroic actions, ultimately giving his life in service of his country.