Buren A. Marshall

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Buren A. Marshall, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 September 1944, in France. When a large hostile force launched a savage counterattack and threatened to surround his platoon, necessitating its withdrawal across an exposed clearing, Private First Class Marshall remained in position to cover the movement with his automatic rifle. Although he became the target for the enemy fire, he calmly placed his weapon on a small rock wall and, sweeping the enemy with deadly fire, enabled his comrades to effect a successful withdrawal. While attempting to cross the clearing and rejoin his platoon, Private First Class. Marshall was seriously wounded in both legs by a burst of machine-gun fire. Unable to walk or crawl, but undaunted by his perilous situation, he again put his weapon into action and directed effective fire into the midst of the approaching enemy force, silencing one of the hostile machine-guns. Despite the intense pain of his wound, he continued firing until all of his ammunition had been expended. Private First Class Marshall’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.