David Marshall Born: Sept. 22, 1924
US Army; Corporal, Service # 32816846
March 5, 1943 to January 13, 1946
84th Infantry Division, 334th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, M Company.
David was assigned to the 334th Infantry Regiment, Heavy Weapons Battalion. As his
Battalion trained on the use of their heavy weapons, Dave became quick friends with
George Schmitt, a member of his outfit. Together they trained and mastered the use of all their weapon systems.
They felt strong and confident, working together, and trusted each other. On David’s 20th birthday, he found himself and Schmitty sailing to the United Kingdom. When they arrived, they trained for 2 more months and then landed at Omaha Beach, before moving to the vicinity of Gulpen, The Netherlands.
The 84th was soon in the fight. At dawn, on their first day of combat, a combined, British and American operation began with British mine-clearing flail tanks followed by 84th troops with landmine detectors. They cleared a narrow path for the 334th to advance. As they moved forward, a German heavy artillery barrage ensued. Within 15 minutes of their first action, Dave’s friend Schmitty was hit by an enemy shell. Smitty was clearly killed, and all David could do was move forward and continue the fight.
In December 1944, Europe experienced its coldest winter in 40 years. The 84th Infantry Division battled sub-zero temperatures, blizzards, and waist deep snow while German aircraft buzzed, and artillery boomed overhead. The “Battle of the Bulge” would become WWII’s bloodiest and most costly battle. As the 84th pushed back the German advance, they liberated the town of La Rouche-en-Ardennes for the second time during the war. Images of Mr. Marshall and the 84th Infantry Division in action, are on display in the town’s Museum of the Battle. The 84th Infantry Division is recognized as a "Liberating Unit" for their liberation of several Concentration Camps and a Slave Labor Camp.
Mr. David Marshall fought 170 days in Combat and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, and the French Legion of Honor Medal for his valor in combat. Mr. Marshall decorations also include the coveted Combat Infantry Badge, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, and the WWII Victory Medal.
US Army; Corporal, Service # 32816846
March 5, 1943 to January 13, 1946
84th Infantry Division, 334th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, M Company.
David was assigned to the 334th Infantry Regiment, Heavy Weapons Battalion. As his
Battalion trained on the use of their heavy weapons, Dave became quick friends with
George Schmitt, a member of his outfit. Together they trained and mastered the use of all their weapon systems.
They felt strong and confident, working together, and trusted each other. On David’s 20th birthday, he found himself and Schmitty sailing to the United Kingdom. When they arrived, they trained for 2 more months and then landed at Omaha Beach, before moving to the vicinity of Gulpen, The Netherlands.
The 84th was soon in the fight. At dawn, on their first day of combat, a combined, British and American operation began with British mine-clearing flail tanks followed by 84th troops with landmine detectors. They cleared a narrow path for the 334th to advance. As they moved forward, a German heavy artillery barrage ensued. Within 15 minutes of their first action, Dave’s friend Schmitty was hit by an enemy shell. Smitty was clearly killed, and all David could do was move forward and continue the fight.
In December 1944, Europe experienced its coldest winter in 40 years. The 84th Infantry Division battled sub-zero temperatures, blizzards, and waist deep snow while German aircraft buzzed, and artillery boomed overhead. The “Battle of the Bulge” would become WWII’s bloodiest and most costly battle. As the 84th pushed back the German advance, they liberated the town of La Rouche-en-Ardennes for the second time during the war. Images of Mr. Marshall and the 84th Infantry Division in action, are on display in the town’s Museum of the Battle. The 84th Infantry Division is recognized as a "Liberating Unit" for their liberation of several Concentration Camps and a Slave Labor Camp.
Mr. David Marshall fought 170 days in Combat and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, and the French Legion of Honor Medal for his valor in combat. Mr. Marshall decorations also include the coveted Combat Infantry Badge, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, and the WWII Victory Medal.