Sgt. Willis Irvin Jr. stands by a destroyed German tank after the end of World War II. SPECIAL

After all these years, one thing remains fresh in the 77-year-old Augustan's mind.

"(They made) the most powerful moonshine whiskey I ever saw," said Mr. Irvin, who was a sergeant in the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment of the Army's 2nd Armored Division. "You took a shot and came right back up like a rocket."

Saturday will mark the 58th anniversary of the liberation. St. Sever residents have erected a monument in honor of the 2nd Armored Division and have invited its members to mark the occasion.

Meeting Mr. Irvin in France is his longtime friend and fellow member of the 2nd Armored Division, Earnest "Hawk" Evans, of Iva, S.C. The two men have stayed in touch since the war.

"He's just one fine fellow," said Mr. Evans, who was a captain in 82nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Headquarters Company. "He's a brave fellow."

Mr. Irvin arrived in France 58 years ago today - D-Day.

"I wanted to be the first one to find Hitler," said Mr. Irvin, adding that he intended to shave off the dictator's mustache. "We were all very gung-ho trying to reach Berlin."

The ambitious soldier was two months late in reaching the Nazi commander. He said he believes he came close, though.

Both men said they were excited about reuniting with their comrades.

"We feel like it will probably be the last time we'll be able to go," Mr. Irvin said.

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 279-6895 or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.