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<em>Earle M. Shiley</em>, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Shiley, was born October 31st, 1912 at Middletown, Pennsylvania. After attending elementary schools In Anne Arundel County, he graduated from Annapolis High School in June 1929. He enlisted in the Coast Artillery Corps July 1st, 1932 at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Here he attended the West Point Preparatory School. He received his appointment to the Military Academy, entering on July 2nd, 1934.</p>
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A quotation from the <em>Howitzer</em> seems appropriate here:</p>
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“Upon noticing what Earle’s home town is, one naturally thinks that he is out of place at the Military Academy. However, Earle’s four years at West Point have proved that he was right in renouncing the Navy and adopting the Army”.</p>
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Graduating in 1938 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Corps and was stationed at Fort Monroe, Virginia, until January 1939. In March 1939 he arrived at Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands. While there he served as Assistant Post Exchange Officer. Before the outbreak of World War II, he was training Philippine troops. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on September 9th, 1940 and to Captain on October 10th, 1941. He took part in the glorious defense of Corregidor and was awarded the Silver Star and the Oak Leaf Cluster for gallantry.</p>
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The citations relating to these awards are as follows:</p>
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Silver Star</p>
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“For gallantry in action from 29 December 1941 to 6 May 1942, inclusive. Captain Shiley commanded Battery T, a .50 caliber antiaircraft machine gun battery, of his regiment at Fort Mills, Philippine Islands. During the above period combat conditions were practically continuous and frequently severe. Shelling and bombing, sometimes both simultaneously, covered the area occupied by elements of his battery. Notwithstanding these conditions however, Captain Shiley remained in the open, traveling from one machine gun section to another assisting and encouraging his men in remaining in constant preparation for enemy air attacks. By his gallantry and courageous conduct he maintained a high degree of efficiency in his battery, and through his exceptional heroism set a meritorious example in daring achievement in operations against an enemy of the United States”.</p>
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Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star</p>
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“For gallantry in action on Corregidor, Philippine Islands, from 11 April to 6 May 1942. In command of an antiaircraft machine gun battery located on the northwestern side of Corregidor, Captain Shiley without regard for his personal safety, faced constant enemy artillery fire and aerial bombardment, both day and night, to inspect his battery positions. His heroic and persistent actions provided an Inspiration for his troops and encouraged them to their greatest efforts despite overwhelming odds”.</p>
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When Corregidor surrendered, he was taken prisoner of war by the Japanese. He was sent to Cabanatuan, then to Bilibid. From there he was sent to Japan. On February 2nd, 1945 he died of pneumonia at Fukuoka Camp.</p>
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Captain Shiley was a very promising young officer. His cheerful disposition and his pleasing personality endeared him to his comrades and all others who knew him.</p>
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He is survived by his mother, Mrs. May M. Shiley, and his sister, Miss Ethel M. Shiley.</p>
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