Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

1st Platoon, Company C, 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving Commanding the 1st Platoon, Company C, 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 September 1944, in the vicinity of Bayon, France. On that date the 1st Platoon was supporting elements of the Infantry Regiment in a crossing of the Canal de Est and the Moselle River near Bayon, France. When the advance of the infantry was halted by enemy fire between the canal and the river, Lieutenant Marshall, exhibiting great daring and initiative, personally led his tanks across the canal despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles of terrain. Still under fire and closely supporting the advance of the infantry, Lieutenant Marshall next succeeded in fording his tanks across the river and establishing a bridgehead on the far side, enabling the engineers to construct bridges so that other elements might cross. The outstanding accomplishments of Lieutenant Marshall, his personal courage under fire, and his loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Armored Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 101 (1944).