World War II Honoree

Marion B. Cooper

Hometown

Crawfordsville, Indiana

Honored By

Mr. & Mrs. John Horner

Entered the service on February 19, 1942. Went through basic training at the Presidio and graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia on October 23, 1942. March 1944, promoted to Company Commander of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 331st Infantry, 83rd Division. Lead I Company overseas to Omaha Beach in Normandy, where remained in a defensive position until July 4th when Company I attacked the Germans in Hedge Rows. On July 15, 1944 near Sainteny, France earned a Silver Star for heroic action and also the Purple Heart. In December of 1944, awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action. After getting out of the hospital, rejoined the 331st Infantry, 83rd Division in France in September 1944 as the Company Commander of Company K. On January 11, 1945 orders came for an attack downhill at night through waist deep snow. Told the Colonel that gave the order that he would go down the hill alone, but would leave men on the hill. Battered the town with Artillery until sunrise. Company K then moved into the town and captured 114 Germans. Also participated in battles and campaigns in Normandy, Ardennes, Northern France and Rhineland. Wounded in the hand in Germany during a counter-attack on March 12, 1945. Discharged from the service in September 1946 as a Major.