Marion McGrew was honored at the Augusta Cemetery's 2010 Memorial Day observance.  The following tribute appeared inside the Memorial Day program.  To view the program itself click the link below:

Program for the 2010 Augusta Cemetery Memorial Day Observance

 

Marion Franklin McGrew

Marion F. McGrew was born September 14, 1918 to Alvin and Lottie Barrows McGrew.  On January 21, 1941 at the age of 22, Marion enlisted in the United States Army and by the end of that year, the United States was involved in World War II.

During World War II, Marion bravely served as Private First Class with the 128^th Infantry.  We believe he was serving with the U.S. First Army at the time of his death.  Between September 14, 1944 and February 10, 1945 the U.S. First Army was involved in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest (German: Schlacht im Hürtgenwald).  This is the name given to the series of fierce battles fought between U.S. and German forces in the Hürtgen Forest east of the Belgian–German border.

In mid-September 1944, the Allied pursuit of the German army after the landings at Normandy was slowing down because of extended supply lines and German Army rebuilding. The next strategic objective was to move up to the Rhine River along its entire length and prepare to cross it.  Lt. Gen. Courtney Hodges’ First Army experienced hard resistance pushing through the Aachen Gap and perceived a potential threat from enemy forces using the Hürtgen Forest as a base.

The U.S. commanders’ initial goal was to pin down German forces in the area to keep them from reinforcing the front lines further north, between Aachen and the Rur River, where the Allies were fighting a trench war between a network of fortified towns and villages connected with field fortifications, tank traps, and minefields.

The Hürtgen Forest occupies a rugged area between the Rur river and Aachen. The dense conifer forest was impenetrable restricting vehicular movement which limited the use of tanks and hid anti-tank teams. In the autumn and early winter of 1944, the weather was cold and wet.  Ground conditions varied from wet to snow cover.  Apart from the bad weather, the dense forest and rough terrain also prevented proper use of Allied air support.

The Battle of Hürtgen Forest became the longest battle on German ground during World War II, and the longest single battle the U.S. Army has ever fought in its history.  The U.S. Army's Center of Military History has estimated that 120,000 troops, plus replacements, were committed to Hürtgen; by the end there had been 23,000 battle casualties plus 9,000 non-battle casualties.

Marion McGrew was one of those battle casualties.  Marion died a hero bravely serving his country in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest.  A few years later Marion’s family brought him home to be buried.  The Augusta Cemetery honors his bravery, his sacrifice, and his service to our country.