Harley W. Shoat was born on January 28, 1916, to Nora Ann Shoat Tucker Raines. During World War II, he served as a Second Lieutenant and Navigator with the 1st Photographic Mapping Squadron, 1st Mapping Group, flying Douglas F-3 Havoc #39-745.

On October 18, 1942, the Douglas F-3 Havoc #39-745 was on a photographic mapping mission along the St. Lawrence River toward the Atlantic. Operating from Bradley Field, Connecticut, the crew was conducting reconnaissance associated with the planned Crimson Route, photographing and identifying potential emergency landing areas and locations where enemy aircraft might have landed during possible attacks on Allied shipping lanes or coastal sites. While flying near Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, Quebec, approximately 27 kilometers southeast of Québec City, the aircraft developed apparent engine trouble and broke apart following an explosion. All three airmen were killed, and wreckage was scattered over a wide area. During the subsequent search-and-recovery operation, only the crew members' remains were recovered.

2Lt Shoat is now buried in the Cimetière Mount Hermon, Sillery, Capitale-Nationale Region, Québec, Canada.

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