World War II Veterans Visit Christ Presbyterian Academy

Edward and Edsel Frazier are twin brothers, born in Smithville, Tenn. in 1926. The 89-year-old brothers fought in the front lines of the army during World War II, and survived the infamous Battle of the Bulge. As first cousins of CPA student Elizabeth Graham Pistole, the two were invited to visit CPA’s campus to speak to high school students on their experiences in the war and what they’ve learned since.

More than 75 high school students piled into the library to hear the veterans speak. Listeners in the room were riveted as Edward Frazier began to talk of his experience being drafted at the age of 18, the same age as many in the audience.

“There’s never been a war like World War II, and I cannot paint a picture of how terrible war really is. You live in a very different world today than we had back then,” expressed Edward.

The brothers had barely finished high school when they were sworn in to the military at Camp Forrest in Tullahoma, Tenn., one of the U.S. Army’s largest training bases during the war. From there, they were sent through 17 weeks of basic training in Florida before their tour began in Belgium and France. Edward told the students of his outfit’s epic push across the Rhine River in freezing temperatures to hold the Germans at bay and release American prisoners of war being held on the other side. Both brothers were awarded prestigious medals reserved for those who engaged in actual combat.

Students asked questions concerning their experiences in the war, their perspective on America today, and their relationship as brothers throughout the war. The veterans shared sobering memories and several anecdotes from their time abroad.

“I watched some of my best friends fall in the war. How the Lord took care of me, I’ll never know,” said Edward.

As two of only 13 veterans left in DeKalb County in Tennessee, these honored servicemen provided a rich, intergenerational conversation for students. The stories shared were powerful reminders of those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom and democracy.