Beaufort’s Austin Davis, 87, graduated from Beaufort High School in 1951 and joined the U.S, Navy. After Boot Camp in San Diego, he trained as an Aviation Metalsmith (AM). His first assignment was maintaining seaplanes in Bermuda, followed by Blimps at Lakehurst, NJ (including North Atlantic deployments). Follow-on tours included Norfolk, Bermuda, Lakehurst, Iceland (including servicing Greenland bases), Jacksonville (making deployments on various carriers), and Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where he ran the control tower and ground support services. He retired in 1971 as a Master Chief with 20 years service. He returned to Beaufort, earned both BA and MA degrees and taught 2nd grade at a Laurel Bay school for 20 years.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
