This interview with Francis O. Ayers provides an account of his World War II memories. After briefly describing his early history, Ayers recounts his motivations for enlisting, the nature of his training as a Paratrooper, and his experiences in combat in Europe. He served with the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division and recalls his time in Bastogne, France during the Battle of the Bulge, surrounded by Germans and finally aided by Patton's Tenth Army. He was wounded and spent some time in a Paris hospital. He later returned to liberated Paris briefly and also visited London during a two week break. After the war's end, his division was stationed in Berchtesgaden, Germany to guard Hitler's former retreat, the Eagle's Nest. Upon returning to America he attended Waynesburg College. He eventually moved to the South with his wife and two children, where he worked as a Factory Engineer Representative and later as a Sales Engineer.