Via "The Greatest Generation Foundation" on FB- "AMERICA REMEMBERS -- Its with great sadness, we have received the news that World War II veteran Mr. Willard (Bill) Davison, who was wounded when he fought in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, has died. He was 95. A hero to many, Mr. Davison in June recalled his days during the war in Europe as the world acknowledged the 75th anniversary of D-Day, perhaps the most famous invasion in history that changed the course of the war in the Allies’ favor. He was a 19-year-old paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne when he landed in a swamp outside the French city of Sainte-Mère-Église during the fire day of Operation Overlord, as the invasion was officially known. He then fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was shot, hit by shrapnel and suffered frostbite in the process. “He was a true patriot,” said his son, Michael B. Davison. “He was proud of the service he gave to our country. And we followed in his footsteps.” Michael and his twin brother, David, joined the Army and fought in Vietnam. They said his father’s bravery was an inspiration to join the Army during a time of war. “He was the main reason that I enlisted in the 82nd Airborne,” David said. “He was influential not only in our lives, but all of his kids’ lives. He left a legacy behind with his children and grandchildren.” In June Mr. Davison said during an interview with The Monroe News that despite the decades that have passed, he remembered well his time in Europe and his many dangerous missions, including escaping capture in a hail of Germans gunfire. He discussed the many close calls during his time in the war. He was shot in the thigh while in the Belgian town of St. Vith, was wounded in the leg by shrapnel and suffered severe frostbite. He helped the French Resistance blow up bridges, served as an anti-aircraft gunner and helped shoot down the last airplane of the war in Europe. By himself he took 14 Germans inside that plane as prisoners. He was proud of his service, but the effects of the war were not easily overcome. “I remember it well,” Mr. Davison said in June. “It stuck with me a long time. But soon it wore out.” After the war, he worked 55 years in the gas and oil pipeline industry while helping to raise six children: the late Cindy Napolitan; Michael (Gwen); David (Gretchen); Mark (Yvonne); Chris (Lynn) and Daniel (Mary). He also had 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild."
