David Vance Sadler

“My grandfather passed away before I was born, so my thoughts and memories are handed down from my mom. She said he always liked sports and enjoyed being with his family, and that they made homemade ice cream on Sunday afternoons up at his home place up under the weeping willow tree.

Probably my favorite memory that she’s shared is how talented he was musically. He played the guitar by ear and could pretty much play any instrument. If he heard a song, he could play it or join in with other instruments. He recorded some songs and played gospel music with several quartets.

He loved to pick and tease and I’ve been told I’m a lot like him. I would have loved to have met him!”

– Jordan McCumbee ’16

David Vance Sadler, remembered by his grandson, Jordan McCumbee

David Vance Sadler fought in the Battle of the Bulge and saved his entire battalion from encroaching German forces.

David Vance Sadler manned an anti-aircraft gun in the U.S. Army’s 385th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. He served in France, Belgium, England, and Germany and was in one of the most memorable battles of WWII, the Battle of the Bulge. He said it was so cold that frostbite and death were an everyday occurrence.

The only personal story he really ever told his family was how he saved his battalion one night. Everybody was asleep, and as German soldiers were sneaking up to attack them, he was the first to wake up and warned his battalion of the threat. Because of his bravery, no one died on that night.

He received several medals and commendations for his service. He received a WWII Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the EAME Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Purple Heart. He was also awarded seven Bronze Stars.