World War II veteran from Tennessee tells of some of his experiences

Robert Davis, of Newbern, Tenn. is a veteran of World War II. He attended Dyersburg's Veterans Day celebration with his brother, Melvin, who is a Korean War veteran.
Robert Davis was with the United States Army's 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division during the World War II.
He spoke of a close shave when he was almost shot by one of Gen. Patton's tankers. His company commander left him at a road junction and a squad of tanks came upon him. A lieutenant stopped his tank and took Davis' gun from him thinking he was a German in an American uniform.
Davis said it was maybe because of his accent. He asked if someone else in the lieutenant's unit was from Tennessee. Another soldier went to get a soldier that was from Tennessee. He returned with that soldier and Davis asked him which county was he from. The soldier replied, "Dyer County".
"I said oh 'Thank God'," said Davis. He continued to asked him if he knew Judge Anderson Baker; Martin Jacobs, the game warden; Ronnie Miller, the pawn shop owner or Nick Bond, a policeman. The soldier also knew the same people and confirmed Douglas' citizenship. The lieutenant told Davis that his company commander almost got him in deep trouble because two men were only supposed to be at the road junctions.
Davis also did guard duty in Luxembourg and spoke briefly to Hermann Goering, Hitler's second in demand. He said soldiers were guarding Goering inside a hotel and Goering was coming up the stairs as he was coming down.
Davis said Goering spoke English and asked him what the stripes on his sleeve meant. Davis told him that each stripe meant 6 months overseas duty.
"But the highest ranking general in the German Army speaks to a corporal," said Davis laughing. "I never dreamed it would've been me."

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• World
• War
• II
• United
• States
• Army
• 117th
• Infantry
• Regiment
• 30th
• Division
• Robert
• Davis
• veteran
• Europe
• Germany
• Hermann
• Goering
• Nazi
• Adolph
• Hitler
• Luxembourg
• Dyer
• County
• Newbern
• Tennessee
• Dyersburg
• State
• Gazette

[martok666]

very interesting its just too bad the u used the camera's mic it has allot of ambiance echo of the room, maybe the next time u can use an external mic on a seperate channel! so we can hear him clearly.. anyways thanks for sharing :)

[prayforpeace11]

This is my father, his name is Robert Douglas. Not Robert Davis. That's his brother uncle Melvin next to him for a minute. He was in the Korean war.

[13579zoo]

I liked the video. I'm glad there are still a good number of WW2 soldiers and survivors around to hear their story, regarless of what side they were on, it is highly important for them to reflect about how to prevent war/promote peace themselves, without being hypocritical in any way, since they have first hand experience. All sides need to document their feelings now or should have. Together there can be a better peace.