Veteran Memorials: Pvt. Irving Davis

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Pvt. Irving Davis with the girls referenced in his sister’s letter to Montgomery (Alabama Department of Archives and History)

Pvt. Irving Davis was 26 years old when he was drafted during World War I. He was born in Crane Hill, Alabama and was inducted into the service on Oct. 2, 1917. He served overseas from May 1918 until his death on Oct. 13, 1918. 

As part of Company D, 23rd Infantry, Davis fought in multiple engagements including Vaux Castille, Saint Mihiel and Blanc Mont Ridge. The Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge took place Oct. 3-27, 1918 in Champagne, France. It was during this battle that Davis was killed, although he was originally listed as missing in action. 

Davis’ body was returned home to his sister, Miss Estelle Davis, on Aug. 6, 1921. He is memorialized on the WWI monument at Cullman’s Veterans Park at Sportsman Lake.

In a letter written by his sister providing information to Montgomery about her brother for a book, Estelle Davis wrote:

“My Dear Madam, 

I suspect you thought I never intended to answer your letter. I had married and moved away, and I did not get this letter until a few days ago.

I have filled out the blanks as far as I knew. I am sending you a picture of my brother with some girls. I would send you one taken by himself, but this is the only one I have and I would be glad if you could send it back to me when you could.

 

Yours Truly, 

(Mrs) Estelle Davis Stricklin”