James Davis: The Last Firefighter of WWII

When Quiet Courage and Dependability Save Lives

Born in 1924 and blind in one eye, James Davis expected to be rejected for WWII service. Instead, his wildfire fighting experience got him accepted. He served with the 1024th Army Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany.

On D-Day +1, he fought fires of all kinds—including German incendiary rounds aimed at American artillery—while under constant bombs and bullets. Armed only with water hoses, he and his platoon saved many lives. His limited sight was never an obstacle.

Now 102, he continues to inspire firefighters nationwide with talks on firefighting history, including the ancient Roman Vigiles. Valor is in you. Set it free.