Cleveland County, North Carolina, selflessly gave to World War
II, with 6,500 people—more than 11% of the county’s population
at that time—taking part in the conflict. This rural county, which
contributed almost double its share of service personnel, lost 190 fine
young men—almost five times the expected casualties for a North
Carolina county. Cleveland County residents participated in most
significant engagements of the war, in every imaginable capacity,
and in every branch of service—from the infantrymen, to the sailors,
to the airmen, to the marines. At home, window banners displayed
blue stars for each family member serving and gold stars for those who
made the supreme sacrifice. Cleveland County in World War II shares
these individual stories, contributions, and sacrifices.
Anita Price Davis is a North Carolina native. She graduated from
Appalachian State, holds a doctorate from Duke, and is the Charles
A. Dana Professor of Education at Converse College. Her father,
Arthur F. Price—a former resident of Cleveland County—lost his
life during World War II. The book is a tribute to him and the other
distinguished veterans and residents who shared their stories. James
M. Walker is a photographer and school volunteer; he recently retired
after 31 years with the Rutherford County public schools. This is their
fourth co-authored publication with Arcadia.