Briefing Document: Milton Norvel Hubbert - A Life Cut Short

Subject: Life and Military Service of Milton Norvel Hubbert

Date: October 26, 2023

Source: Excerpts from "Pasted Text"

Executive Summary: This document summarizes the biographical information available on Milton Norvel Hubbert, a young man born in Texas who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and died in action on Okinawa. The text provides details of his family, early life, military service, and ultimate sacrifice.

Key Themes & Facts:

Early Life and Family:

Milton Norvel Hubbert was born on October 13, 1925, in San Saba County, Texas.

His parents were Essie Mae Stafford (born 1890) and Hugh Mathew Hubbert (born 1878). The text notes the parents' ages when Milton was born: Essie was 35 and Hugh was 47, indicating an older set of parents.

The text mentions he had a sister and five half-siblings, suggesting a blended family situation or siblings from a prior marriage of his father.

Hubbert's family resided in various districts within San Saba County, Texas, during his childhood (JP4 in 1930, JP1 in 1935 and 1940), illustrating a rural upbringing.

He lived with his mother in 1940, as noted by the census records.

Military Service:

Hubbert registered for the draft on October 14, 1943, while residing in San Saba County and attending school. His mother was listed as his next-of-kin contact.

He joined the U.S. Marines on May 28, 1944. This is significant because he was just 18 and a half years old when he enlisted, and this was roughly six months before he deployed to the Pacific Theater.

He was a Private in Company C, 1st Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Fareast Marine Force. His role as an "operator of an amphibious tractor" puts him in a position of significant responsibility as an integral part of amphibious landings.

He shipped out to the southwest Pacific area in December 1944.

Combat and Death on Okinawa:

Hubbert’s division landed on Okinawa Island on April 1, 1945, as part of the III Amphibious Corps.

The 1st Marine Division's mission was to clear the northern half of the island with the 6th Marine Division.

Tragically, Private Hubbert was killed in action by enemy Japanese shrapnel on April 12, 1945, just 11 days after landing on the island.

This early death occurred less than two weeks into the Battle of Okinawa, a notoriously difficult battle that lasted for several months.

Repatriation and Burial:

Initially buried in a temporary grave, his remains were repatriated to America in 1949.

He was reinterred in the High Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in San Saba County, Texas, on March 25, 1949. This reflects the emotional impact of his loss on his family and community and the efforts made to bring his remains home.

Key Quotes:

"...Private Milton N. Hubbert 977468 US Marine Corps C Company 1st Amphibious Tractor Battalion 1st Marine Division Fareast Marine Force."

"Pvt Hubbert, operator of an amphibious tractor, was killed by a burst of shrapnel from the enemy Japanese forces on 12 April 1945."

"...his remains were repatriated to America and reinterred in the High Valley Baptist Church Cemetery at San Saba County, Texas on Friday 25 March 1949."

Analysis:

The provided text paints a poignant picture of a young man's life, highlighting the stark contrast between his early life in rural Texas and the brutal realities of war in the Pacific. The details about his family, his role as an amphibious tractor operator, and his untimely death on Okinawa collectively demonstrate the profound sacrifices made by individuals during World War II. The delay in repatriating his remains reflects the logistical challenges faced in the aftermath of the war and the eventual closure that his family experienced upon his final burial in his home community.

Conclusion:

Milton Norvel Hubbert's story is a microcosm of the broader experiences of young American men during World War II. This document provides a concise account of his life, family ties, military commitment, and ultimate sacrifice, underscoring the human cost of conflict.