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Sherman Axline was a student at Brunswick High School with the class of 1944 when he enlisted on 21 October 1943 in Baltimore, Maryland.

He received most of his training at Fort McClellan in Alabama and by May 1944 had won the right to wear Wings and Boots of the United States Army Paratroops at Fort Benning in Georgia. He was sent overseas on 21 July 1944.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for his action on 20-21 September 1944. The citation cited: Pvt Axline, a machine gunner, displayed great courage while defending a position which had been encircled by infiltrating enemy. After an unsuccessful attack upon German positions in the town of ****, this company was ordered to displace to the high ground to the rear and reorganize. Pvt Axline remained in position and directed accurate fire which displaced the enemy and permitted the orderly withdrawal of his entire squad. He destroyed several enemy who infiltrated near his position, and stubbornly defended it until he was killed. This gallant action by Pvt Axline contributed much to the prompt reorganization of his company and enabled it to prepare a second attack which seized the town. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Pvt Axline was initially buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Molenhoek, the Netherlands on 23 September 1944.

He is remembered at the Saint Marks Apostolic Church Cemetery in Petersville, Maryland.