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In 1964, Walter Joseph Marm Jr. assessed the situation in Vietnam and decided to enlist rather than waiting around to be drafted. Shortly after enlisting he attended Officers Candidate School and Ranger School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army's newly formed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

The division’s mission, among other things, was to deploy the Army’s first airmobile troops, and to test the new tactic of using helicopters to insert troops into combat. Within two months, Marm’s unit would be put to the test in the Ia Drang Valley.

November 14, 1965. As the battle raged all around him Marm led his platoon through withering fire until they were finally forced to take cover. He then singlehandedly destroyed an enemy machinegun position and several of its defenders, suffering severe wounds in the process.

Marm survived his wounds and was subsequently promoted to first lieutenant; on December 19, 1966, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.

Walter Joseph Marm Jr. attained the rank of Colonel and retired from active duty in 1995.

Interview recorded on November 4, 2022

Video Credits:
Interviewer Greg Corombos
Director of Photography Jon Hambacker
Editor Daniel Taksas

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