Scope and Contents Note From the Collection: 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...