George F. Marshall’s Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to

Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

George Frederick Marshall

United States Army

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 November 1942, at Oran, Algeria, North Africa. Charged with the seizure of port installations at Oran, Algiers, Colonel Marshall’s battalion entered the harbor aboard two cutters in the face of powerful shore batteries and guns of ships at anchor; upon reaching the harbor proper, the cutters promptly came under terrific artillery and small arms are accurately laid through the help of searchlights. Using the only available Infantry weapons and small caliber guns mounted on the boats, the battalion continued toward its objective until both cutters were sunk with severe loss of personnel. Despite the odds, surviving members of the battalion swam ashore, supporting their wounded, and fought their way through machine gun fire in a desperate attempt to carry out their mission. In the face of great odds and with no expectancy of aid, the action of the battalion was marked by gallantry, fearlessness, and devotion to duty. Lieutenant Colonel Marshall’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Armored Division, and the United States Army.