Briefing Document: Doyle Douglas Reavis

Subject: Life and Military Service of Doyle Douglas Reavis

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpt from "Pasted Text" (genealogical and military information)

Summary:

This document provides a biographical overview of Doyle Douglas Reavis, focusing on his life in Texas and his military service during World War II, which tragically ended in his death.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Doyle Douglas Reavis was born on March 13, 1916, in Richland Springs, San Saba County, Texas.

His parents were Ruby Thelma Orr and Marshall Eli Reavis, both aged 22 at the time of his birth.

The text provides a snapshot of his early life by referencing US census data:

1920: Age 3, living with parents and a sister in San Saba, Texas.

1930: Age 14, living with parents, sister, and paternal grandfather in Richland Springs, Texas.

1935: Living in rural San Saba County.

Marriage and Occupation:

He married Miss Wilma Eidlebach in Matagorda County, Texas, on November 28, 1936.

By 1940, at age 24, he was living with his wife in San Saba, Texas, working as a barber and a taxidermist. This indicates a diverse skill set and perhaps self-employment. Quote: "...working as a barber and taxidermist."

Military Service:

Reavis enlisted in the US Army from the National Guard in Abilene, Texas, on June 4, 1942. He was 26 years old.

His service number was 38133158.

He is identified as a married white male, born in Texas in 1916.

He had one year of college education

He served as a Technical Sergeant (TSgt) in the US Army Air Forces. Quote: "Technical Sergeant Doyle D. Reavis 38133158 US Army Air Forces..."

He was assigned to the 337th Bombardment Squadron, 96th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force.

He was a top turret gunner aboard a B-17F bomber with serial number 42-30367.

Combat and Death:

On October 8, 1943, Reavis's B-17 was shot down over Bremen, Germany, during a combat bombing mission. Quote: "on 8 October 1943 on a combat bombing mission to target Bremen , Germany...".

The bomber's route included a waypoint at Spalding, England.

The aircraft was shot down by Lt. Heinz-Gunther Luck in a German Fw-190A fighter.

Out of the crew, only three men successfully bailed out; the other seven, including Reavis, were killed.

The crew, including Reavis, were initially buried in temporary graves in Germany. Quote: "...and were buried in temporary graves there in Germany."

Post-War Repatriation and Reburial:

In 1949, Reavis's remains were repatriated to the United States. Quote: "After the war in 1949 his remains were repatriated to America..."

He was reinterred in the Richland Springs Cemetery in San Saba County, Texas, on June 14, 1949.

Key Facts:

Full Name: Doyle Douglas Reavis

Birth: March 13, 1916, Richland Springs, Texas

Marriage: November 28, 1936, Matagorda County, Texas, Miss Wilma Eidlebach

Military Enlistment: June 4, 1942, Abilene, Texas

Rank: Technical Sergeant (TSgt)

Unit: 337th Bombardment Squadron, 96th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force

Death: October 8, 1943, near Bremen, Germany

Reburial: June 14, 1949, Richland Springs Cemetery, Texas

Conclusion:

The information available paints a picture of a young Texan man, Doyle Douglas Reavis, who lived a relatively normal early life and then served his country during WWII. His life was cut short during a bombing mission over Germany, but his remains were eventually brought back to his home state for final burial. His story reflects the sacrifice of many young Americans during World War II.

Further Research:

Additional details about his family could be explored through genealogical records.

More information regarding his specific military unit and combat record could add further context to his service.

Investigation into the details of the bombing mission of October 8, 1943, would provide more context on his final moments.