Francis McDonald Oliver Jr. was born on February 14, 1914, in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. He was the son of Francis McDonald Oliver Sr. and Julia V. Ashurst Oliver. He was married to Corinne Stevens Johnson. Francis graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1936.
Francis served in the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, as a Lieutenant Colonel during World War II. He was Killed in Action on August 9, 1944, while leading his squadron during the liberation of Sillé-le-Guillaume, France. LtCol Oliver is now buried in the Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, USA.
Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Francis McDonald Oliver (ASN: 0-20268), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy as Commanding Officer, 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 106th Infantry Division, in action on 9 August 1944 in the vicinity of SilleLe Guillaume, France. Lieutenant Colonel Oliver, understanding the situation and realizing that his troops must find a bypass in order to get around the road blocks and mine fields if they were to reach the objective, went forward in a one-fourth ton truck to make a personal reconnaissance. After making his reconnaissance he decided to attempt to reach the troop of the adjacent squadron on the south and penetrate the enemy ring from that direction. He again went forward, this time to contact the leading elements of the adjacent squadron, and in so doing, ran into an enemy road block and mine fields south of the town. Lieutenant Colonel Oliver then retraced his route until he contacted some of his attached engineers, which he personally led forward to the road block and mine fields, for the purpose of removing them. While leading the engineers forward, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Oliver's courage, inspiring leadership and great devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.
Source of information: valor.militarytimes.com