Davis, NC Historical Figures

Robert Conway Bloxton, Sr. ACTIVITY DURING WWII Underwent three bombing raids by enemy aircraft at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, Jan. 15, 1944 to Jan. 21, 1944. Participated in the occupation and defense of Saipan, July 12, 1944 to August 10, 1944. Received good conduct, American defense, American area, Asiatic-Pacific area, World War II victory, China service, and China War memorial medals. Experience in combat supporting units of the fleet Marine force with VMFN 532 unit.

Beatrice Lea Willis Bloxton Johnston ACTIVITY DURING WWII Sixteen year old bride of USMC Technical Sergeant Robert Conway Bloxton, Sr. Gave birth to his baby alone a year later. Kept the home fires burning, as well as held down a government job until he returned home from WWII.

Donna Bloxton PetersEn (Mrs. Grant PetersEn) shared these photos of her mother and father that she submitted to the new WWII Memorial website. "Mother's father remained in Davis with his sister and her husband until he died -- Samuel "Chauncey" Willis, brother of Ginny's mother, Lena Willis Davis, and Mamie Willis (Mrs. James Patrick), who cared for him in the old Emma Clark Babbitt (Mrs. Henry Willis) home on Davis, NC."

"I was instructed to list the town where Mother was living while Daddy was overseas during WWII. She had been living with her father's oldest sister, Daisy Willis Willis (Mrs. Tommy Willis), 1809 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC, and I think they got an apartment in Morehead City before he was shipped out, so I entered "Morehead City" instead of "Davis" for her "hometown"."

The photos were taken in 1942 and in 1943 (Daddy's photo).

submitted by Donna Bloxton PetersEn (Mrs. Grant PetersEn)