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| | 1ST CL. PVT. ARTHUR J. OLIVIER
Serial No. 2,983,472
920 N. Front St., Marquette, Mich.
Olivier was inducted June 25, 1918, coming from Marquette and bringing with him, through others in the same community, the nickname “Butch.” We all knew “Butch” Olivier for his witty side of looking at things, and that eventful experience he had at Thiacourt when shells were falling in plenty. ‘‘Butch” was a driver, and one of his horses was struck by a fragment of exploded shell, throwing “Butch” into the air. Jack Heenan, one of the drivers with him, remarked after he gathered himself up, “Well, Butch, this is your second time on earth.”
The shells were coming in frequency and number, and one was heard on the way which seemed to be headed directly for them. Olivier called out (speaking presumably to the shell), “Take the old grey mare; take the old grey mare,” and it did.
Private Olivier was of medium height and one of those who would see humor under any circumstances. He scintillated his sunny view of things among all around him. |