Born and raised in Madisonville, Ellis Traylor is a man who loves his country and is proud of where he comes from, where he’s been and the small rural Kentucky town he still calls home today.
Traylor, born December 16, 1937, in Hopkins County, joined the U.S. Army in 1956. He spent 20 months serving in Germany and the rest of his time at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas in the town of Fort Smith, as an infantryman.
“During the Berlin crisis, with President Kennedy, I was in the 100 division unit,” Traylor said. “I served about three and a half years, most of my time spent in Germany, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
During his time in the military, Traylor shared that he trained other soldiers extensively. Married in 1960 and after the birth of his daughter in August, he was recalled in September.
“When I was recalled, I was there to train the troops and for basic training. In Germany, of course, we were stationed in Berlin and we traveled to all the different cities, we went everywhere. I was in the second armored division. I have nothing but good feelings for him (his time in the military). Of course, you have good days and bad days, whether you’re there or not. I don’t regret it at all.”
Madisonville resident and friend Libby Spencer has spent the past few years really getting to know Ellis Traylor.
“Ellis Traylor is not just a hero because of his service to our country, he is a hero simply because he is who he is. Mr. Traylor is a man with a heart of gold. We started in as colleagues to the city of Madisonville in 2019 and now we are more like family It was an honor to join Mr. Traylor on his recent honor flight to Washington DC to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service and to their sacrifice,” Spencer said.
“We flew from Evansville to Washington, and Libby Spencer was my guardian for the trip. We veterans got out and got to see this nation’s memorials and capitol. It was a great trip. said Traylor.
Another friend of Ellis’s, Ashley Galvan, shared that they met earlier this year and have since struck up a wonderful friendship.
“Ellis is a wholesome man who loves his country and his community,” Galvan said. “Some days Ellis and I spend time talking about my late grandfather, State Rep. Bill Brinkley, and their shared love of pie, or he gives me words of wisdom that one day I will share. Ellis lived and continues to live a life of love and compassion for people and his dedication to America is monumental.
When asked how he likes to spend Veterans Day every year, he said “simple.”
“I like to remember. A lot of them from Division 100 aren’t from here and I don’t see them often. There were about 25 of us, but now many of them have gone to be with the Lord. We are no longer numerous. I’m going to the memorial service at the park on North Main. I go there a lot and on Memorial Day too. I don’t wear anything that shows I’m a veteran, I guess you could say I’m a little flashy,” Traylor said with a laugh.
