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PFC Harold C. Short
Army Private Harold Carson Short, son of Jason Alexander Short and Ada Melvinia Bolling Short of Norton & Pound, Wise County, Va was born in Pound Va October 17, 1928. Entered service on May 7, 1941. Basic training at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Transferred overseas on October 1, 1942. Died in action on June 6, 1944 in the D-Day Invasion of France. He served with the 116th Infantry, 29th Division. He was first buried on the shore on Normandy Beach, due to the conflict at the time, when the situation changed his body was buried in France St. Laurent Baveux, France Plot Q Row 5 Grave 100 By request from PFC Harold Carson Short to to father, while on leave before he went over seas he and a Army buddy visited Arlington National Cemetery, he told his father of the beauty of the cemetery and commented if something were to happen to him while he was serving his county he would like to be buried in Arlington Cemetery. As per his wishes his father applied to have his remains shipped back to the United States. On December 15, 1947 my family consisting on his father Jason Alexander Short, his sister Edith Byrd, Audrey Clark and her daughter Eva,, Opal Addison, his uncle Calvin Massey made the long trip on a cold snowy day through the Shannondoah Valley to reach Arlington National Cemetery. They waited as so many families did that day to be called for the services, of which seven caskets were lined up and each life honored for giving their life for our county so we may all enjoy the freedom we have today. Harold's life is remembered now by many generations since his parents and siblings are all gone but one sister living, Ruble Gilliam. We were always told of his bravery and on memorial days for the fallen the story was told and his memory made him so real to us it is as if we had known him in life instead of death. Harold was listed as MIA for a long time of which his father would make a long walk from his home to Norton, Va to check with the American Red Cross for news of his son, only to hear there was no news yet and to please check back with them. After a very long time he was notified that he was no longer listed as MIA but KIA June 6, 1944 during the D-Day Invasion. He served with the 116th Infantry 29th Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart because he died on the beach of Normandy. The President of the United States awarded the Purple Heart to PFC. Harold C. Short. A.S. No. 33047997 for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death June 6, 1944. Given under my hand in the City of Washington, DC this 30th day of Nov. 1944. Official: Maj. Gen. The Adj. At. Gen. signed by The Sec. of War Harry L. Stevenson. Directions to PFC. Harold Carson Short's grave site in Arlington National Cemetery Buried Section 12 Grave #1254 on Grant Drive & McClellan Dr. We thank you Uncle Harold for your bravery and for helping us have the freedom we share in our lives. May our flag fly high and her banner brave in memory of all who give their all.