World War II Honoree

William A. Davis

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON DECEMBER 27, 1943 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE FIELD ARTILLERY, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED AS A LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER, MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY 345. DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JANUARY 5, 1945 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH HEADQUARTERS BATTERY, 862ND FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION, 63RD ‘BLOOD AND FIRE’ INFANTRY DIVISION IN THE RHINELAND CAMPAIGN UNTIL WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION ON MARCH 15, 1945 IN VICINITY OF BLIESRANSBACH, GERMANY. EVACUATED FROM THE BATTLEFIELD AND RETURNED TO THE STATES FOR TREATMENT AND CONVALESCENCE. EARNED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH ONE BRONZE BATTLE STAR AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF DISABILITY AS A PRIVATE ON DECEMBER, 19, 1945 AT OLD FARMS CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL (SP), AVON, CONNECTICUT.