Oliver L. Shirley
37099524 Private First Class
Co M 276 Infantry
United States Army
1941-1945

      Oliver Lee (Jack) Shirley was born 25 January 1920 at Colt, Arkansas, the son of William Thomas and Laura Roberts Shirley.  He attended the Mebane School at Fitzgerald Crossing for eight years. Oliver worked on the farm before entering military service.
    He was inducted into the Army 3 October 1941 at Camp Robinson, Arkansas and received his basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was sent to the European Theater 18 June 1942 and his military occupational specialty was as a Mortar Crewman. He fought in Northern France and in the Aleutians until 25 May 1944 when he returned to the United States. Oliver was sent back to Europe 8 March 1945 and remained there until 9 October 1945.
    Oliver was discharged 17 October 1945 at the Separation Center at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He received two Bronze Stars; the Good Conduct Medal; the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon; the American Defense Service Ribbon; the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and five Overseas Bars.
    He married Thelma Lee South and they had four children: Brenda; Pamela; Terry and William Thomas. Oliver resumed farming and enjoyed fishing, hunting and quilting with his wife.
    Oliver Lee Shirley died 23 April 1993 and was buried in the Harris Chapel Cemetery.