John Burroughs Shirley was born on December 8, 1924, in Santa Ana, Orange County, California. He was the son of William Henry Shirley and Marie Grace Romano Shirley. After graduating from Newport Harbor High School in 1942, John was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. Serving with the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, he participated in significant WWII operations, including the Anzio-Nettuno invasion and the Southern France D-Day landing. Wounded and captured in Bennwihr, France, on December 22, 1944, he escaped captivity. He returned to combat, earning numerous decorations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the French Legion of Honor.

After the war, John pursued veterinary studies at UC Davis, graduating in 1952. He built Livermore’s first animal hospital in 1957 and became a veterinarian. John also served as Livermore’s mayor (1963–1965) and city council member (1958–1966). He was involved in community and veterans' organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Society of the Third Infantry Division, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. His dedication to veterans led to significant contributions, such as launching the Veterans First program at Las Positas College and commemorating WWII battlefields. He received numerous honors, including the naming of Livermore’s city council chambers and a park in Bennwihr, France, in his honor. He died on December 22, 2021, and is now buried in the Five Pillars Farm Cemetery, Livermore, Alameda County, California, USA.

Source of information: www.drjohnbshirley.com