Photograph associated with Marcario Garcia

World War II

Marcario Garcia

Staff Sergeant · U.S. Army

U.S. Army, Company B, 22d Infantry, 4th Infantry Division

27 November 1944 · Grosshau, Germany

Public domain. United States Department of Defense Source file

Branch
U.S. Army
Era
World War II
Home state
Texas
Action
Grosshau, Germany

The citation

Official citation

While an acting squad leader of Company B, 22d Infantry, on 27 November 1944, near Grosshau, Germany, he single-handedly assaulted 2 enemy machinegun emplacements. Attacking prepared positions on a wooded hill, which could be approached only through meager cover, his company was pinned down by intense machinegun fire and subjected to a concentrated artillery and mortar barrage. Although painfully wounded, he refused to be evacuated and on his own initiative crawled forward alone until he reached a position near an enemy emplacement. Hurling grenades, he boldly assaulted the position, destroyed the gun, and with his rifle killed 3 of the enemy who attempted to escape. When he rejoined his company, a second machinegun opened fire and again the intrepid soldier went forward, utterly disregarding his own safety. He stormed the position and destroyed the gun, killed 3 more Germans, and captured 4 prisoners. He fought on with his unit until the objective was taken and only then did he permit himself to be removed for medical care. S/Sergeant. (then private) Garcia's conspicuous heroism, his inspiring, courageous conduct, and his complete disregard for his personal safety wiped out 2 enemy emplacements and enabled his company to advance and secure its objective.

Sources

Ready I Left My Home — Staff Sgt. Anisha Johnson

Audio credits