World War II Veteran Wayne C. Davis Seeks 100 Birthday Cards
Guest Contributor
As World War II veteran Wayne C. Davis approaches his 100th birthday, a simple yet heartfelt request has captured the attention of his community and beyond. Davis, who resides at the Barstow Veterans Home in California, has asked to receive 100 birthday cards in celebration of his centennial on August 9, 2025. The request, shared by spokesperson Laura Moraco, has sparked a wave of support for the decorated veteran whose life story reflects courage, service, and resilience.
This uplifting moment shines a light not only on Davis' milestone birthday but also on the extraordinary life he has led. Born on August 9, 1925, Davis grew up in California and graduated from Hollywood High School in 1943. That same year, he was inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro. Though he initially trained as an airplane and engine mechanic, Davis spent the majority of his service with infantry units during some of the most pivotal campaigns in Europe.
World War II veterans like Davis played a crucial role in shaping the course of the 20th century, and his story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the "Greatest Generation." Davis served from June 1944 to January 1946, participating in campaigns across Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. His bravery earned him several military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, World War II Victory Medal, and the European African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
One of the most striking episodes in Davis’ military service occurred during a shelling incident when a munitions dump caught fire. According to Moraco, Davis ran into the burning area three times, each time pulling a fellow soldier to safety. For this act of heroism, he was awarded the Bronze Star. A key he wore around his neck to this day still bears a mangled piece of shrapnel—a haunting yet heroic symbol of the moment that nearly cost him his life but ultimately saved it.
After the war in Europe ended, Davis remained overseas briefly, flying with a friend from the Air Corps on a B-25 to deliver mail across the continent. He returned to the United States in early 1946 and was honorably discharged on February 11 of that year. His postwar service included a short stateside assignment before his return to Fort MacArthur.
Davis' dedication to service was not limited to his own experience. His sister, Marjorie Laverne “Margie” Davis, also served during the war as a pilot in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) with the 2563rd Base Unit. Tragically, she died in service on October 16, 1944, during a cross-country flight at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. Her story adds a poignant layer to the Davis family’s legacy of military service.
As Davis approaches his centennial, the request for 100 birthday cards is more than a personal wish—it is a call to honor a life lived in service to others. Moraco, speaking on behalf of the Barstow Veterans Home, emphasized the importance of fulfilling this wish. “Mr. Davis has expressed that all he wanted for his birthday was to receive 100 cards, and I am on a mission to make that happen for him,” she said.
I found this detail striking not only because of its simplicity but also because of what it represents. In a time when grand gestures often dominate public attention, Davis’ modest request offers a quiet, powerful reminder of the value of connection and recognition. A card, after all, is more than paper—it is a message of gratitude, respect, and remembrance.
Those wishing to send a birthday card to Wayne C. Davis can address it to: W. Davis-We Support You, 100 Veterans Pkwy., Barstow, CA 92311. Each card contributes to a centennial celebration that honors not just a single veteran but the shared history and sacrifices of all who served during World War II.
Davis' story also serves as a bridge to a fading chapter in American history. With each passing year, the number of living World War II veterans declines, making opportunities to engage with and honor them increasingly rare. His life intersects with a significant era, sharing a birth year with cultural icons like Dick Van Dyke, Paul Newman, and Angela Lansbury, all of whom shaped the postwar world in their own ways.
In celebrating Davis’ 100th birthday, we celebrate more than a number. We celebrate a life of bravery, loss, service, and quiet strength. This moment invites all of us to pause and reflect on the enduring impact of those who served in World War II and to express our gratitude in a meaningful, personal way.
