Walter Joseph Marm Jr.
Walter Joseph "Joe" Marm Jr. is a retired United States Army colonel and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Early life
Marm was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, to Walter and Dorothy Marm, a Pennsylvania State police officer and retail clerk, respectively. He graduated from Duquesne University with a business degree in 1964. He then joined the United States Army from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduated from Officers Candidate School, and attended Ranger School.Military career
By September 1965, Marm was serving in the Republic of Vietnam. On November 14, he was a second lieutenant and platoon leader of 2nd Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On that day, during the Battle of Ia Drang, he single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine-gun 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.Marm reached the rank of colonel before retiring from the army in 1995. Marm is an Eagle Scout. As such, he is one of only eleven known Eagle Scouts who also received the Medal of Honor. Member of the Knights of Columbus 1966.