I recently took a trip to Green Hill cemetery in Greensboro North Carolina. Here I discovered the final resting place of First Lieutenant Collier Carlton Olive. He was born in Mount Airy North Carolina to Johnson and Margrett Olive on June 6th, 1893. He was of medium height and build, with blue eyes and brown hair[1]. Collier graduated from Greensboro High School before attending Mars Hill Academy. He later entered Wake Forest University as Junior. While attending Wake Forest Collier wrote humorous articles for the Greensboro Daily News.
After graduating with honors, he would work as a journalist, and later be employed with Vick Chemical Company in their advertising department. With the First World War on the horizon Collier enlisted as a cadet at the officers’ training school Fort Oglethorpe Georgia, in May 1917. During the time in OCS he applied for and was accepted into the aviation service. Collier was sent to ground school at the Georgia School of Technology and completed his course in the fall of 1917.[2] He would set sail for Europe as an aviation cadet aboard the S.S. Kroonland on November 2nd, 1917.[3] Collier would earn his wings and commission in the 147th Aero Squadron on May 23rd 1918.[4] The 147th was assigned as a Day Pursuit (Fighter) Squadron as part of the 1st Pursuit Group, First United States Army. Its objective was to engage and clear enemy aircraft from the skies. As well as provide escort to reconnaissance and bombardment squadrons over enemy territory.
The 147th also targeted enemy observation balloons, performed close air support, and tactical bombing attacks of enemy forces along the front lines.[5] First Lieutenant Collier Carlton Olive participated in operations in the Toul Sector, Marne Sector, as well as Saint Mihiel. In a letter home dated December 22nd, 1918, he spoke of being wounded before the armistice and that he was suffering from influenza but was discharged from the hospital and feeling better. Sadly, Collier must have taken a turn for the worse as he would die of Pneumonia in Issoudun France on January 9th, 1919.[6] His body was sent home aboard the U.S.S Pocahontas on October 18th, 1920.[7] Colliers remains would arrive in Greensboro at 0645 on November 13th, he was interred at Green Hill cemetery at 1400 hrs. The services were conducted by Rev. J. Clyde Turner and were only attended by immediate family.[8] Let us never forget this young man and his sacrifice to make the world safe for democracy.
[1] “U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 for Rufus Eldrige Garrett.” Ancestry. Accessed September 12, 2019. https://www.ancestry.com/.
[2] “Lieut. Collier Olive Succumbs To Pneumonia.” Greensboro Daily News. January 30, 1919.
[3] “U.S., Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910-1939 for Collier C Olive” Ancestry. Accessed September 12, 2019. https://www.ancestry.com/.
[4] “Collier Olive Comissioned.” Greensboro Daily News. July 12, 1918.
[5] Maurer, Maurer (1978), The US Air Service in World War I, The Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF Washington
[6] “Lieut. Collier Olive Succumbs To Pneumonia.” Greensboro Daily News. January 30, 1919.
[7] “U.S., Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910-1939 for Collier C Olive” Ancestry. Accessed September 12, 2019. https://www.ancestry.com/.
[8] “Body Of Lieut. Olive Buried In Green Hill.” Greensboro Daily News. November 14, 1920.
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