Camp Forrest: Middle Tennessee’s role in training soldiers during WWII

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The legacy of D-Day has strong roots in Middle Tennessee. Thousands of American soldiers trained in the Volunteer State for the invasion of Europe.

“It’s history that no other state in the United States has and it’s so rich, it’s disappointing that more people don’t know about it,” said author and historian Dr. Elizabeth Taylor.

On this day, the streets of Carthage are taken over by Tennessee Maneuvers re-enactors in scenes that would very much reflect the training that transformed tens of thousands of young Americans into soldiers. The re-enactments are staged by the Smith County Historical and Tourism Society.

Intense and dangerous training was conducted in many Middle Tennessee counties before heading to war.

But why Middle Tennessee?

“The terrain was similar to that they found on the European front, particularly in Germany so it just made sense,” said Dr. Taylor.

Not far away, Camp Forrest, teaming with new recruits from every corner of the country and other visitors not there by choice, Dr. Taylor explained.

“Camp Forrest was located in Tullahoma, the fifth largest city in Tennessee at the time, it did induction training and also housed prisoners of war, Germans and Italians during WWII.”

The state’s role in the war effort was vital in the Allied victory, especially D-Day.

“Everybody is familiar with the rangers and the heroics they displayed on D-Day,” said Dr. Taylor. “They learned those skills here, they were activated, the 2nd and 5th Rangers at Camp Forest, they learned those dirty fighting tactics, they learned to overcome the enemy, but also climbing those large scale cliffs, they learned that here in Middle Tennessee.”

For Dr. Taylor, making sure the brave soldiers, our greatest generation, and their brief stay in Middle Tennessee are remembered and honored for generations to come.

“It brings me a significant amount of joy to be able to educate people to make sure that the things that this generation did during WWII, the patriotism of not just the soldiers but the civilians that were here, is remembered.”