#VeteranOfTheDay Marcus Morman Smith

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Marcus Morman Smith. Marcus served during World War II from 1941-1945.

Marcus was at Fort Worth when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, and soon after he was transferred to the 90th Infantry Division. The 90^th Infantry Division landed in England on April 5, 1944 and trained until June. During the Battle of Normandy his company attacked to clear the Foret de Mont-Castre. The division suffered 5,000 killed, wounded, or captured, one of the highest casualty rates suffered in World War II. His unit also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and liberated the 1,500 prisoners at Flossenburg Concentration Camp.

After Marcus had been wounded he was awarded the Silver Star. His order read, “The gallant courage and aggressive devotion to duty displayed by this soldier in combat reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States”.

When the war ended Marcus received an honorable discharge and returned home. He married his wife, Sarah, and had a son, Kenny. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and became a letter carrier. General George S. Patton wrote a certificate of tribute to all the soldiers of the 90th Infantry Division. It read, “Sometimes I think you don’t know how…good you are. You are the best soldiers in the world. It was a great honor to command you.”

Marcus was decorated with the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with silver service star, World War II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster and a Combat Infantryman Badge.

Marcus passed away on April 3, 1984.

We honor your service, Marcus.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.