[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 121 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E766-E767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ELMER LEE DAVIDSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            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

[[Page E767]]

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.

                          ____________________