Private Leroy Best Jr.  37636813 US Army KIA. He was born on December 11, 1924, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of Leroy, and Edith Best and brothers, Bobby Joe Best and Paul Kenneth Best. Leroy was a graduated from Springfield Senior High school in 1943. Leroy Best became one of the nation’s best roller skaters through long hours of practice on the Doling rink. He entered the US Army on March 31, 1944 at the age of 19. At the time of his enlistment he was 5 foot 7 inches tall weighed 142 pounds had blue eyes and brown hair. He served in E Company, 253rd Infantry regiment, 63rd Infantry Division. He entered E Company on October 25, 1944. He died on April 8, 1945, in Stine Germany at the age of 20. At the time of his death he was advancing on Stine Germany; (The same town that John R. Crews earned the Medal of Honor helping take.) Best was awarded the Bronze Stare Medal, Purple Heart Medal, The American Theater of operations Medal, The European African Middle Eastern Theater of operations Medal with  two battle stars, the World War Two Victory Medal,  and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was returned to the United States and was buried in his hometown in September 1948.