IDVA honors World War II hero from Centralia as ‘Veteran of the Month' for September

DUQUOIN –The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) has honored Stanley Marcum, a life-long southern Illinois resident and US Army veteran, as its September 2012 “Veteran of the Month.”

Marcum was honored during a ceremony Sunday at the DuQuoin State Fair. The Illinois Veteran of the Month award is a distinction bestowed upon military veterans who continue to serve their communities after leaving the military.

“Stanley Marcum is a true American hero who has served fellow veterans throughout his life,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “Even today, his greatest and most noble mission involves caring for his grandson, a US Marine who was injured in the Middle East.”

Marcum served in the US Army from 1942 to 1945 as an artillery gunner assigned to the 109th Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division, which landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on June 20, 1944.  He rose to become a Squad Leader and fought in some of Europe’s bloodiest battles, including the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and Battle of the Bulge.

Marcum’s achievements include:

• For his military service, he was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with five Bronze Star devices; Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; and, the Good Conduct Medal.
• After the war, Marcum went back to work at the Illinois Central Railroad, retiring in 1981 after nearly 40 years;
• In Centralia, he was a long-term Cub and Boy Scout Master; coached little league baseball for 10 years; and served on the city’s Neighborhood Commission.
• In the veteran community, Marcum remains active in both the VFW and American Legion including:

 Nearly 70 years as a life member of Centralia VFW Post 2005, where he also served as Junior Vice Commander;
 More than 20 years as a member of Centralia American Legion Post 446; and
 Forty years as a member of the joint VFW/American Legion Funeral Detail, serving as File Detail Commander for hundreds of funeral services.

The “Veteran of the Month” award highlights the work of community servants who are also military veterans. Each month the Department recognizes a different person or group that contributes to the betterment of communities across the state of Illinois. To nominate a “Veteran of the Month,” please visit IDVA’s website at veterans.illinois.gov to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.