World War II Honoree

Ishmael J. Davis

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

AFTER A BRIEF PREVIOUS STINT AS A DRAFTEE, ENLISTED IN THE CHEMICAL WEAPONS SERVICE, REGULAR ARMY, ON FEBRUARY 11, 1942 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS. QUALIFIED AS A RIFLEMAN AND FIELD LINEMAN (MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES 745 AND 641). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON NOVEMBER 17, 1942 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. SERVED IN COMBAT WITH THE 78TH CHEMICAL COMPANY THROUGH THE NORMANDY, NORTHERN FRANCE, RHINELAND, AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION IN FRANCE ON AUGUST 26, 1944. EARNED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL, DISTINGUISHED UNIT BADGE (3RD INFANTRY DIVISION GENERAL ORDER), COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL WITH CLASP, AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH FOUR BRONZE BATTLE STARS, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON NOVEMBER 1, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.