Briefing Document: James Kelly Damon

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Biographical and Military Service Overview of James Kelly Damon

Source: Provided Text Excerpts

Overview: This briefing provides a summary of the life and military service of James Kelly Damon, as detailed in the provided text. It highlights key biographical details, his service in World War II and the Korean War, and his ultimate death in action.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Birth and Family: James Kelly Damon was born on January 5, 1924, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Marian Pauline Shanks and George William Damon. He had a twin sister, Jamie Jean Damon. His mother was 25 and his father 43 at the time of his birth.

Early Childhood in Texas: The family relocated to Putnam, Callahan County, Texas. James is recorded as living there with his family in the 1930 and 1940 censuses.

Education: He was a graduate of Putnam High School.

World War II Service:

Draft Registration: Damon registered for the WW2 draft on June 30, 1942, in Baird, Callahan County, Texas. He was residing in Putnam and working for J. C. Clements at the time. His mother was listed as his next-of-kin contact.

Enlistment and Service: He enlisted in the US Marines in 1943 and served with the 2nd Marine Division in the Southwest Pacific.

Honorable Discharge: Damon was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1945 and assigned to the Marine Enlisted Reserves.

Korean War Service and Death:

Recall to Active Duty: Damon was recalled to active duty on December 20, 1950.

Deployment to Korea: He served with the 5th Marines in South Korea.

Unit Details: His unit designation was: Corporal James K. Damon 936739 US Marine Corps A Company 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division.

Combat and Casualties: During April 21-23, 1951, Damon's unit (the 5th Marines) was engaged in combat near Hwachon, north of the 38th parallel, and sustained casualties. They were subsequently ordered to withdraw south to Hongchon.

Death in Action: James Kelly Damon was killed in action on May 29, 1951, in South Korea as a result of small arms fire.

Repatriation and Burial:

Body Recovery: His body was recovered from the battlefield.

Return to US: His remains were repatriated back to the United States.

Burial: James Kelly Damon was buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Callahan County, Texas, on Tuesday, October 30, 1951.

Key Quotes:

"James Kelly Damon born 5 January 1924 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona..."

"He enlisted in the US Marines in 1943 and served during WW2 with the 2nd Marine Division in the southwest Pacific."

"Corporal James K. Damon 936739 US Marine Corps A Company 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division."

"Cpl Damon was killed in action by small arms fire on 29 May 1951 in South Korea."

"His body was recovered and repatriated to America and buried in the Putnam Cemetery at Putnam, Callahan County, Texas on Tuesday 30 October 1951."

Conclusion:

The provided text paints a picture of a man who served his country in two major conflicts. James Kelly Damon went from a small-town Texas upbringing, to serving in World War II, and ultimately giving his life in the Korean War. The information details both his roots and his ultimate sacrifice. This document serves as a concise record of his life and military service.