Shively was the son of American missionaries in Japan. He was born in
Kyoto and educated at the
Canadian Academy in Japan. Years of study in the United States began when he entered Harvard in 1940, but his college years were interrupted by war. In
World War II, Shively was a Japanese language officer. He was promoted to the rank of
major in the
United States Marine Corps, and his service was marked by the
Bronze Star Medal. His training during WWII at
Camp Ritchie's Military Intelligence Training Center classifies him as one of the
Ritchie Boys. Shively received his bachelor's degree from
Harvard University in 1946 (Class of '44). He continued his studies in Cambridge, and he earned a master's degree in 1947. He was awarded a Ph.D. in 1951. ==Career==