Personal Journeys: The replacement soldier

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Personal Journeys: The replacement soldier

Photos: Decorated veteran Eddie Sessions of Carrollton reveals what it was like to serve in Patton's Army as a 'replacement' soldier during World War II.

At home in Carrollton, Eddie Sessions reflects on his service in Gen. George Patton's Third Army in France. A member of the 95th Division, Sessions fought in one of WWII's bloodiest campaigns, earning his division the nickname "The Iron Men of Metz."

American soldiers in the Battle of Metz from the 95th Infantry Division earned the nickname "Iron Men of Metz" because of their bravery.

This photo shows Eddie Sessions' parents, Ozzie and Martin Sessions. Eddie was born in Neshoba County, Mississippi, in 1925.

Old photographs of Eddie Sessions, including the photograph when he received his purple heart, (lower right), are shown at his home in Carrollton.

Sitting at their dining room table, Shirley and Eddie Sessions find his name on a roster of those who served in his unit. Sessions had forgotten what unit he served in and many other details of his combat service. Replacement soldiers such as Sessions frequently did not know the unit they would join until they were sent to the front and thrown into battle. They also weren't privy to strategy or goals.

AJC editor Kevin Riley (right) sits down with WWII veteran Eddie Sessions (center) and his wife Shirley (left) as they look over new records documenting Sessions' service in WWII at their home.

Retired Maj. Gen. James E. Archer (left) looks on as retired Pvt. Steve Bodnar points to the position where he was injured during World War II in France during a reunion of members of the 95th Infantry Division in Memphis, Tenn.

Eddie Sessions was awarded the Legion of Honor. The distinctive medal (above) honors courage, bravery and service to France.

Some of Eddie Sessions' medals and badges, including the Purple Heart (top row center) and the emblem of the 95th Infantry Division (top row right and left).

Eddie Sessions from Carrollton was one of 12 WWII Veterans who Denis Barbet, consul general of France in Atlanta, presented with the Legion of Honor during a ceremony on Sept. 27, 2012.

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At home in Carrollton, Eddie Sessions reflects on his service in Gen. George Patton's Third Army in France. A member of the 95th Division, Sessions fought in one of WWII's bloodiest campaigns, earning his division the nickname "The Iron Men of Metz."

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