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I am currently researching Kinston & Lenoir County, NC during World War II. I’ve been utilizing microfilmed copies of the “Kinston Daily Free Press,” Lenoir County’s daily newspaper during the war. I’ve also been perusing records at the National Archives, both in Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA., in addition to records at the NC State Archives, Search Rm. When time and schedule permit, I have also begun interviewing Lenoir County citizens who lived during that period. Be on the lookout for upcoming articles and a book on this subject matter.

WWII-era train & bus station in Kinston. This structure no longer exists.

April 8, 2023: Despite poor weather, the long-planned event commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the Opening of WWII Camp Davis was a successful & fun day! Heavy rain forced the relocation of the event into the Holly Ridge Volunteer Fire Dept. Bldg, which was adjacent to the outside areas planned for the living history displays. Volunteers set up their displays, exhibits, and even two WWII jeeps inside the Fire Dept. Many thanks to the HRVFD who made our “plan B” successful! The HRVFD held a hot dog lunch as a fund raiser and the event planners coordinated with the firefighters for all volunteers to enjoy a complimentary lunch. The weather, though miserable, really did not hamper visitation as between 400-500 people stopped by and perused the many great displays featuring uniformed WWII living history reenactors. Besides Antiaircraft troops, WACs (Women’s Army Corps) and British troops were represented. The Topsail Island Historical Society set up an exhibit on the WASPs. Two WWII jeeps were also placed in the fire department for visitors to enjoy. Terrible weather-great program! A sincere “thank you” to all the volunteers who made this special day a success!

BIG News! Mark your calendars! A big event commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the “opening” of Camp Davis is being organized as you read this post. The event will be a living history “encampment” along Highway US 17, in front of the Holly Ridge Fire Dept., which is within the original confines of WWII Camp Davis; featuring WWII reenactors, vehicles, tents, displays and exhibits. We hope to relate as much Camp Davis history as possible; including the role of WACs (Womens Army Corps), WASPs (Womens Air Force Service Pilots), civilian construction & base personal, African American soldiers, US Marine Corps, etc…

We are hoping to recruit as many WWII military vehicles as possible for a series of convoys through Holly Ridge during the day of April 8. The event will also feature short Powerpoint lectures on Camp Davis and self-guided driving & walking tours. This the first time that an event of this scope has been planned for Camp Davis and uniquely we are having all activities within the camp’s original boundaries in present-day Holly Ridge.

If you’re interested in attending the program as a living history soldier or if you own a WWII military vehicle or 1930s civilian vehicle, please contact us via this website’s contact information. This is going to be a unique program honoring one of America’s most fascinating WWII US Army training camps and we’d love for you to participate!

Coming soon! My newest book: “A Snapshot of Kinston & Lenoir County During the Civil War” A newly released illustrated compendium that explores the unique history of a North Carolina coastal plains county during the Civil War. The book is available at local retailers in Kinston; CSS Neuse bookstore, Queen St. Deli… $12.00 retail price. Check “Bookstore” on this site for more information.

Sat. Nov. 9 Wilmington, NC

My 1943 Jeep will be featured in this year’s Veterans Day parade! My “crew” and I will be dressed in WWII AAA uniforms and will be representing

Displayed WWII Jeep and greeted visitors to Battleship NC.

Jeff Kornegay, Cliff Tyndall, and Levy Pate at Battleship NC

I will be assisting with a 2 day event at the Battleship North Carolina on Friday June 21 & Saturday June 22. My 1943 US Army Jeep will be on display as visitors board the ship and I will be greeting visitors along with Levy Pate, Ray Sheppard & Randolph Sawyer.

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