James Cramer was born in Missouri 02/11/1920. He grew up on a farm and worked in farming before he enlisted in the Army. Cramer had basis training at Camp Forest, TN, and was assigned to guard the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, from potential terrorists. He was stationed in Europe next and was part of the battalion that trained soldiers for the amphibious landing on Normandy Beach for D-Day. The soldiers he trained had returned from Fighting in North Africa. He a green soldier, was training seasoned soldiers - a prime example of how unfair war can be. Later when the Army feared Eisenhower was an assassination target, Cramer and his unit began guarding Eisenhower or actually a "look a like" Major named Beadle Smith. Neither Smith or Eisenhower ever had an attack. Cramer was part of the Honor Guard when Eisenhower turned France back over to President Charles de Gaulle. However, Cramer is known for one other important thing during the war. One evening as several soldiers were setting around the room during the time they were guarding Eisenhower and Smith, the General stepped into the room and asked if anyone could milk a cow. Cramer raised his hand and he was asked to bring Eisenhower fresh milk each day. Cramer saw Eisenhower every day and spoke with him a couple of times a week when the general wasn't too busy. See more of the Cramer's story in the attached documents.