Donald Malarkey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Malarkey
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Donald Malarkey in 2008
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| Nickname(s) | Don, Malark |
| Born | July 31, 1921 Astoria, Oregon |
| Died | September 30, 2017 (aged 96) Salem, Oregon |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Technical Sergeant |
| Unit | Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Bronze Star (2) Purple Heart Knight of the Legion of Honour (France) Croix de Guerre (France) |
| Spouse(s) | Irene Moor (1948–2006; her death) |
| Other work | Sales manager Author |
Donald George Malarkey (born July 31, 1921 – died September 30, 2017) was a brave American soldier. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was part of a famous group called Easy Company. This company belonged to the 101st Airborne Division.
Many people know Donald Malarkey from the TV show Band of Brothers. This show told the amazing true story of Easy Company. In the show, actor Scott Grimes played Donald Malarkey.
Contents
Early Life and Dreams
Donald Malarkey was born in Astoria, Oregon, on July 31, 1921. His parents were Leo and Helen Malarkey. He finished high school in Astoria in 1939. His family came from Ireland.
When he was young, Donald worked on fishing boats. He also helped fight a huge forest fire called the Tillamook Burn. This fire destroyed many trees in Oregon. In 1941, he started college at the University of Oregon. But then, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. This event changed his life, and the lives of many Americans.
Joining the Army and Fighting in World War II
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Donald wanted to join the military. He first tried to join the Marines. But he couldn't because of a problem with his teeth. Then he tried the Army Air Corps, but he needed more math skills.
In July 1942, he was called to serve. He chose to become a paratrooper in the United States Army. He had read an article that said paratroopers were the best. He trained very hard at Camp Toccoa in Georgia. Only one out of six men who trained there became a certified paratrooper. Donald earned his jump certification in 1942.
Donald Malarkey became a member of Easy Company. This company was part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. They were part of the 101st Airborne Division.
D-Day and Brave Actions
In 1944, Donald went to England. He was getting ready for D-Day, one of the biggest invasions in history. This was part of Operation Overlord. On D-Day, Donald parachuted into France with his unit.
Later that day, he showed great bravery. He helped destroy four German cannons. This event is known as the Brécourt Manor Assault. Because of his heroism, he received the Bronze Star medal.
Donald Malarkey fought in many important battles. He spent 23 days fighting in Normandy, France. He also fought for nearly 80 days in the Netherlands. He was part of the famous Battle of Bastogne in Belgium, which lasted 39 days. He also fought in Haguenau, France, and the Ruhr Pocket in Germany.
He was promoted to sergeant before Operation Market Garden. Donald was never seriously hurt during the war. He spent more time fighting on the front lines than any other member of Easy Company. He received several medals for his service, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Life After the War
After the war, Donald Malarkey returned home. In 1946, he went back to the University of Oregon to finish his degree. While at college, he met Irene Moor. They got married on June 19, 1948. Donald graduated in 1949 with a degree in business.
The couple lived in Astoria, Oregon. Donald became a sales manager. He was also elected as a County Commissioner for Clatsop County in 1954. Later, his family moved to Portland, Oregon. There, Donald worked in insurance and real estate.
Donald and Irene had four children: a son named Michael, and three daughters named Martha, Sharon, and Marianne. Irene passed away in 2006.
Sharing His Story
In 1987, Donald met a history professor named Stephen E. Ambrose. This meeting happened at an Easy Company reunion. In 1989, Donald traveled with Professor Ambrose and other Easy Company members. They visited the places in Europe where they had fought.
Donald and the other soldiers shared their memories and stories. These stories became the basis for Professor Ambrose's book, Band of Brothers. This book was published in 1992. Donald's stories also helped inspire the movie Saving Private Ryan.
Donald Malarkey lived in Salem, Oregon. For many years, he spoke to students and other groups. He shared his experiences from Easy Company. He also visited soldiers wounded in the Iraq War through the USO. In 2012, he stopped giving public speeches.
Donald Malarkey was the oldest living member of Easy Company after March 16, 2015. He passed away on September 30, 2017, due to old age. He was buried at Willamette National Cemetery.
Medals and Awards
Donald Malarkey received many awards for his bravery and service. Here are some of them:
| Award | Description |
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Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (meaning he received it twice) |
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Purple Heart (awarded for being wounded or killed in action) |
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Presidential Unit Citation with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (awarded to units for extraordinary heroism) |
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Good Conduct Medal |
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American Campaign Medal |
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Service Stars and arrow device (for service in these areas) |
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World War II Victory Medal |
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Army of Occupation Medal |
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Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (a high French award) |
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Croix de Guerre with palm (a French military award) |
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French Liberation Medal |
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War Cross (Belgium) with palm (a Belgian military award) |
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Belgian World War II Service Medal |
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Combat Infantryman Badge (for infantry soldiers in combat) |
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Parachutist Badge with 2 jump stars (for completing parachute jumps) |
