Career
Shearer was born to Mary Jane McClelland & Samuel Henry Shearer. He attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, but dropped out before graduation to join the 27th Indiana Battery, in which he served during the Spanish American War. In 1901, Shearer enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
He received a commission as an officer in 1905.
During World War I, Major Shearer was ordered to clear the forests of Belleau Wood. On 26 June 1918, he sent a now famous report: "Woods now entirely -United States Marine Corps."
Maurice Shearer died in 1953, and is buried in Section 10, Site 10928-Bachelor of Arlington National Cemetery.
