The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ELMER LEE DAVIDSON
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HON. PAT FALLON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Mr. FALLON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life and service of Elmer Lee Davidson who lived 99 extraordinary years before his passing on June 9, 2022. Mr. Davidson was born February 4, 1923 to G. Edgar and Minnie Bass Davidson. Shortly after the outbreak of WWII, Mr. Davidson and five of his high school buddies literally climbed out of a school window to enlist in the U.S. Army. At the age of 17, these brave young men lied about their age to answer the call to fight against the Nazis. Throughout their time in Europe, each of Mr. Davidson's five high school best friends lost their lives fighting in support of the Allies.
Elmer's first taste of battle was near Bizerte, Tunisia on October 18, 1943, against the infamous German Field Marshal Johannes Rommel. After their triumph the 933rd departed Tunisia for Naples, Italy. Shortly thereafter, the 933rd Field Artillery Battalion was merged into the 940th Field Artillery Battalion.
For almost 2 years in direct combat, Elmer served as a radio dispatcher/radio technician, Technical Sergeant in the 940th Field Artillery Battalion, under the command of General George Patton and later General Omar Bradley. Elmer was on the front lines in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. He participated in numerous historic battles including the breakthrough of the Gustav Line at Monte Cassino, one of the bloodiest, costliest, and coldest sieges in WWII. For his contributions, Elmer was awarded the French Croix de Guerre Silver Star. Then, the battalion shifted direction-to support the Rome Amo Campaign for the liberation of Rome, Siena, and Florence.
Once secured, the 940th moved to Sarreguemines, France in support of the campaign to breach the Siegfried Line and cross the Rhine River into Germany. Shortly after entering Germany, he was witness to the shocking tragedies of the Mannheim-Sandhofen concentration camp. He would also support the 45th Infantry Division's liberation efforts at the Dachau concentration camp in April 1945. After the surrender of Nazi Germany, Elmer arrived home in Dallas on August 15, 1945.
Once retired from the U.S. Army, Mr. Davidson worked at A.H. Belo Corporation newspaper company for over 43 years, later becoming its publisher. Mr. Davidson fully retired in 1988 to enjoy life with his beautiful wife Frankie. He also received multiple civic awards including Citizen of the Year from the City of Grand Prairie. Without a doubt, Mr. Davidson lived a life of dedicated service to his community and country.
Madam Speaker, I have shared with the House today only a small portion of this hero's life. I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Elmer Lee Davidson, a member of the greatest generation. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal condolences to the Davidson family for the loss of such an extraordinarily brave and loving man. May God rest the soul of this great American.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 121(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 121(2)
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