Shopher, Oliver George, 1910-1987 Pvt US Army served from Dec 28, 1943 to November 6, 1945.    

Oliver's date of induction was Dec 28, 1943 at Camp Wolters, Texas, his active status entry date was Jan 18, 1944.  On January 18, 1944, Oliver applied for Dependency Benefits for Lorene, Charles, James, Patsy and Shirley at 2911 Nussbaumer in Dallas.     Oliver was a member of Headquarters Company 26th Tank Battalion.

On November 7, 1944, his Company qualified in the 81mm Mortar Gunners Test.  During his time in the service he served 6 months as a Medium Tank Crewman, 12 months as an Ammunition Carrier and 12 months as a Mortarman.

Oliver George Shopher on the far right end.

As a Mortarman he loaded, aimed and fired 81mm mortar at designated targets. Read compass and defined targets.

As a Medum Tank Crewman he loaded, aimed and fired 75mm gun mounted on a medim tank.  While doing this he served in combat in France, Germany and Czechoslovakia.  He departed Feb 5, 1945 and arrived in France Feb 17, 1945.  Knowing my grandfather was in France, I am relieved that he has not heard of France's betrayal that came out during Gulf War II.  After watching the movie "Band of Brothers" I understand why he would not want to talk about his experiences. 

Oliver was honorably discharged at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky on November 6, 1945.  During his service he received allotments of 179.35 + 39.75 (travel pay).  7.50 of that was taken out for the National Service insurance.  His muster out pay was 300.00.

Oliver listed his civilian job as Concrete Finisher for 7 years at Texas Bethaletic, Dallas, Texas where he says he mixed, poured and finished conrete to specifications; put in expansion joints; did color work and fancy finishings.

I have tried to research Oliver's unit through the internet but can not find anything pertaing to it.  If anyone finds a link let me know.  All the information above on him was compiled by me using his discharge papers, application for dependency benifits, seperation qualification record and a qualification order memo.

Thank you for viewing!