12:15 pm Who’s on the Wall: William Graybeal served during World War II
William R. Graybeal now lives with his daughter in Elizabethton, far away from Europe, where he served during World War II.
Photo by Robert Sorrell - World War II veteran William Graybeal served for three years in Europe, traveling through several countries while fighting the Germans.
“I fought in five countries,” Graybeal said. “I was in the invasion of Italy.”
Photo Contributed - William Graybeal, a World War II veteran, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to see the various sites dedicated to veterans. Graybeal is pictured sitting on the right.
Graybeal does not remember many details regarding his time in the Army, but said he is proud of his service. Despite action on the front lines, Graybeal said, “I wasn’t really hurt.”
He did however lose his hearing in one ear. “I was fortunate that I wasn’t killed,” he said. “I seen a lot of them killed.”
According to his military records, Graybeal, who was born and raised in Sullivan County, Tenn., enlisted at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., on May 12, 1943. He was 18 years old at the time. Oglethorpe, located across the state line from Chattanooga, was an induction and processing center for the United States Army during World War II. Oglethorpe was no longer used after World War II and has become an incorporated civilian city.
Graybeal was then sent to Fort McClellan, where he underwent basic training. Near a half million troops went through basic training during World War II at the base, which is located near Anniston, Ala.
Graybeal was a part of the 36th Infantry Division, he said. His tour took him to several countries in Europe, where much of the fighting took place against the Germans. The 36th Infantry Division invaded Italy by means of Africa.
The Division went through Italy, then France, Austria and Germany.
“I was there when the war ended,” Graybeal said.
Graybeal was present when his infantry met the Russian West Germany, when the German military surrendered and the war ended. He spent three years overseas and was honorably discharged in 1946.
“I won all of the medals you can win in the infantry,” Graybeal said.
He said he received nearly three dozen medals for his time in the service.
Graybeal returned home after the war and has lived in Sullivan County for most of his life. After his wife passed away a few years ago, he went to live with his daughter in Lynn Valley in Carter County. He said he is a frequent patron of the Veterans Administration and the Elizabethton Senior Citizens Center.
He recently went to Washington, D.C. and visited the various veterans memorials on the Mall.
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