Holiday Train Wreck In Dixon, Illinois

The transcript describes a catastrophic train wreck at Dixon, IL, involving a passenger train on the Chicago and Northwestern line. The incident resulted in numerous injuries among the 500 passengers, including soldiers and sailors returning from Christmas furlough. The wreck left twisted steel and marked a tragic event in railroad history.

What were the passengers of the coast-bound train returning from?

What does 'Twisted Steel' refer to in the context of the railroad wreck?