Hello! I am new to the forum and just wanted to drop in and introduce myself. My name is Jaime and I am from Kentucky. I have been researching my grandfather's WWII service for many years hoping to find out more about him. I am in the process of researching what divison/unit he served in, so I am sure from reading some of the excellent posts on here, that I have come to the right place for knowledge on the subject! I'm sure I will be posting often!
Hellos Jaime, and welcome to the forum. Tell us what you know about your grandfather and we'll do our best to help you fill in the details.
Thanks for the welcome! Sadly, I don't know very much about my grandfather. My dad was only told that he was KIA in the War around the time he was born, which was August of 1944. My grandmother remarried soon after the War ended and she never spoke of my grandfather, not even to my father. He has been a real mystery. Only recently did my aunt find an old photo of my grandparents together. Since he was dressed in his uniform, I have been able to get his rank and possibly a look at his shoulder insignia patch. All I know of him is as follows: His name was James Riley Davis. He was apparently a Sgt. and the patch looks to be one of the Armored Division insignia. I can't make out a number on the patch however, so not sure what number division, regiment, etc. According to my dad's birth certificate, James was born in Alabama and was about 24 years old in 1944. I have no clue where he entered the service from, when he died, or even where he and my grandmother met. I've learned from many years of looking for information on him that searching for James Davis in military records is like looking for the perverbial needle in a haystack! Thanks for the offer of help! Any suggestions on where to possibly find more info is greatly appreciated!
I found four James R. Davises at the Archives. Two of them fit the age. Maybe one of them is who you are looking for. NARA records
I do appreciate all of your help! I will check into those you found with NARA listings. I am posting the photo I have. I can only guess by judging my grandmother's age that this photo was probably taken in 1941 or 1942. Just a guess mind you. Nothing written on the back except "I love you." Maybe fresh eyes can make out a little more about the shoulder patch. That part of the picture is a little fuzzy, so makes it hard to see. I apologize for the large size that posted. My computer just was not cooperating with me this afternoon. Thanks again for all the effort! Jaime
