Earl Moore Gladson was born April 25, 1916 to James A Gladson Sr and Penny Jenkins Gladson. He lived in Jones, Duplin, and Lenoir Counties. Earl was one of ten children, five boys and five girls. Four of the boys served in the armed services. Earl served in Europe during World War II, where he fought in the Po Valley Campaign. Among other medals, he was awarded the Purple Heart. He died October 26, 1976.