Hugh Oliver Edridge was born July 8, 1914 at Barling, Sebastian Co., Ar. to Robert A. & Margarette Ellen Edwards Ethridge. September 28, 1940 he married Edna Lee Martin from Barling, Sebastian Co. His residence at that time was Central, Sebastian Co., Ar. October 15, 1940 Hugh registered for the military draft at Barling, Sebastian Co., Ar. where his residence was at that date. He enlisted in the US Navy October 5, 1942 and served until November 2, 1945. is rank was MM 2nd Class V6. (The job of a Machinist's Mate is to "operate, maintain, and repair (organizational and intermediate level) ship propulsion machinery, auxiliary equipment, and outside machinery, such as: steering engine, hoisting machinery, food preparation equipment, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, windlasses, elevators, and laundry equipment. Operate and maintain (organizational and Intermediate level) marine boilers, pumps, forced draft blowers, and heat exchangers; perform tests, transfers, and inventory of lubricating oils, fuels, and water. Maintain records and reports, and may perform duties in the generation and stowage of industrial gases." Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Nothing more is found about his service. Hugh passed away October 22, 1978 in Charleston, Franklin Co.m Ar. His burial was in Steep Hill Cemetery at Rye Hill, Sebastian Co., Ar.