Date Original
1940-1978
Description
This collection includes correspondence, citations, newspaper clippings, photographs, and school records. There are letters from Billie Jewel Colbert to his family, from his days in basic training until just prior to his death; correspondence from other soldiers in his unit following his death; letters from government and military officials; correspondence about death benefits, citations, transportation of his remains, and other official matters; insurance documents. The documentation of his awards are included, however both the Purple Heart and Silver Star medals are held by Arkansas State Parks. The materials in this collection document Private Colbert's experience through training, his service in England and in France, and the official processes
Biographical/Historical Note
Billie Jewel Colbert was born December 20, 1924, to Hubert and Beulah M. Colbert. He attended school at Powhatan prior to entering the Army in July 1943. In June of 1944, he died in battle in France. He was posthumously awarded both the Purple Heart and Silver Star. His parents, and later his brother Jack, kept a scrapbook with the photographs, correspondence, commendations, and newspaper clippings collected through Billie's service, subsequent death, and ongoing communication from military and governmental agencies and offices. Billie's brother, Jack M. Colbert, served during World War II in the Marine Corps, and his brother, Clifford R. Colbert, was a Navy veteran. His other siblings included sisters Gladys and Thelma.
Physical Description
Document; 8.5" x 11"
Geographical Area
Arkansas
Language
English
Identifier
MSNE.0008
Resource Type
Text
Collection
Billie Jewel Colbert papers, MSNE.0008
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives
Recommended Citation
Billie Jewel Colbert papers, Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives, Powhatan, Arkansas.
Disciplines
United States History
