Marc C. Dauber
Private, U.S. Army

On 18 November 1944, Private Marc C. Dauber was serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations.

On that day, PVT Dauber's unit was in action against German forces near Hamich, Germany. When his platoon and squad leaders became casualties PVT Dauber assumed command of his platoon. He led a group of men into the town, silenced a German machine gun with a grenade, advanced alone on a second machine gun nest and eliminated that position with rifle fire. He continued to lead his men until nightfall when the enemy counterattacked and surrounded his platoon. Although seriously wounded, PVT Dauber defended his position with heroic determination against overwhelming odds until he was killed. PVT Dauber's inspirational leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Marc C. Dauber (ASN: 32694428), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 18 November 1944. During action near Hamich, Germany, Private Dauber assumed command of his platoon when the platoon and squad leaders became casualties. He led a group of men into the town, silenced a German machine gun with a grenade, courageously advanced alone on a second machine gun nest and eliminated that position with rifle fire. He continued to lead his men until nightfall when the enemy counterattacked and surrounded his platoon. Although seriously wounded he defended his position with heroic determination against overwhelming odds until he was killed. Private Dauber's inspirational leadership and supreme devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 131 (June 4, 1945)

Burial

Private Marc C. Dauber is buried at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Henri-Chapelle, Arrondissement de Verviers, Liège, Belgium, in Plot B, Row 6, Grave 18.

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