Herald Staff Writer By MELISSA STODDARD
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Autrey Joseph Maroun, who led American troops into battle against German soldiers at Fort d'Illange, Thionville, France, during World War II, died Monday at his Pebble Beach home. He was 91.
Maj. Gen. Maroun was the battalion commander for the 2nd Battalion 378th Infantry, 95th Infantry Division on Nov. 11, 1944, when he was the first American officer to open Thionville to freedom. It was also the unit's first combat experience, lasting until Nov. 15, 1944. Maj.
Gen. Maroun and the troops were forced to cross a flooded river at daybreak against German-occupied fortresses bristling with mortars and machine gun nests, according to a 1994 Herald article.
Maj. Gen. Maroun was born April 19, 1914, in Shreveport, La. He graduated from Gulf Coast Academy in 1929 and attended Tulane University for two years before receiving a congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1935.
In 1946, Maj. Gen. Maroun was assigned as executive officer to the chief of counsel for War Crimes in Nurnberg, Germany.
During the Korean War, Maj. Gen. Maroun served as commander of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, later becoming the first G3 of the IX Corps. He then commanded the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colo., from 1964 to 1966. Among his other
high-level assignments, he was chief military planning officer with the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization in Bangkok, Thailand.
He ended his military career as special assistant to the comptroller of the Army, which included testifying in Manpower and Budget Hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committee in 1972.
He retired in 1992 and moved to Pebble Beach. He was active with the Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Church of the Wayfarer, serving on various committees.
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Legion of Merit with Oak
Leaf Cluster, Order of Nassau with Swords from the Queen of the Netherlands, and Medal for Meritorious Service from Republic of the Philippines.
In September 1994, Thionville honored Maj. Gen. Maroun as its Citizen of Honor for the 50th anniversary of the city's liberation, flying him overseas for the celebration.
He is survived by his current wife; three stepsons; a brother of Shreveport, La.; and several step-grandchildren.
His first wife, Amy, and brother, Lawrence, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Church of the Wayfarer, Carmel. Inurnment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in October.
Memorial donations may be made to Army Emergency Relief, Building 4260, Presidio of Monterey, Monterey CA 93944 or the American Red Cross. The Paul Mortuary handled arrangements.
Information courtesy of Find A Grave contributor hgs205
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DSC Citation Synopsis
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Autrey Joseph Maroun (ASN: 0-19865), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 11 to 15 November 1944, in the vicinity of Fort d'Illange, Thionville, France. During five days of this action, the 2d Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment engaged in its first offensive operation. On 15 November 1944, Colonel Maroun and his troops were forced to cross the flooded Mozelle River at daybreak against German-occupied fortresses bristling with mortars and machine gun nests and advanced against stubbornly resisting enemy, killing an estimated 300 Germans, capturing 215 prisoners, reduced two major fortifications, and routing a large enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Maroun's inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Autrey Joseph Maroun, who led American troops into battle against German soldiers at Fort d'Illange, Thionville, France, during World War II, died Monday at his Pebble Beach home. He was 91.
Maj. Gen. Maroun was the battalion commander for the 2nd Battalion 378th Infantry, 95th Infantry Division on Nov. 11, 1944, when he was the first American officer to open Thionville to freedom. It was also the unit's first combat experience, lasting until Nov. 15, 1944. Maj.
Gen. Maroun and the troops were forced to cross a flooded river at daybreak against German-occupied fortresses bristling with mortars and machine gun nests, according to a 1994 Herald article.
Maj. Gen. Maroun was born April 19, 1914, in Shreveport, La. He graduated from Gulf Coast Academy in 1929 and attended Tulane University for two years before receiving a congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1935.
In 1946, Maj. Gen. Maroun was assigned as executive officer to the chief of counsel for War Crimes in Nurnberg, Germany.
During the Korean War, Maj. Gen. Maroun served as commander of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, later becoming the first G3 of the IX Corps. He then commanded the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colo., from 1964 to 1966. Among his other
high-level assignments, he was chief military planning officer with the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization in Bangkok, Thailand.
He ended his military career as special assistant to the comptroller of the Army, which included testifying in Manpower and Budget Hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committee in 1972.
He retired in 1992 and moved to Pebble Beach. He was active with the Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Church of the Wayfarer, serving on various committees.
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Legion of Merit with Oak
Leaf Cluster, Order of Nassau with Swords from the Queen of the Netherlands, and Medal for Meritorious Service from Republic of the Philippines.
In September 1994, Thionville honored Maj. Gen. Maroun as its Citizen of Honor for the 50th anniversary of the city's liberation, flying him overseas for the celebration.
He is survived by his current wife; three stepsons; a brother of Shreveport, La.; and several step-grandchildren.
His first wife, Amy, and brother, Lawrence, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Church of the Wayfarer, Carmel. Inurnment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in October.
Memorial donations may be made to Army Emergency Relief, Building 4260, Presidio of Monterey, Monterey CA 93944 or the American Red Cross. The Paul Mortuary handled arrangements.
Information courtesy of Find A Grave contributor hgs205
----------
DSC Citation Synopsis
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Autrey Joseph Maroun (ASN: 0-19865), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 11 to 15 November 1944, in the vicinity of Fort d'Illange, Thionville, France. During five days of this action, the 2d Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment engaged in its first offensive operation. On 15 November 1944, Colonel Maroun and his troops were forced to cross the flooded Mozelle River at daybreak against German-occupied fortresses bristling with mortars and machine gun nests and advanced against stubbornly resisting enemy, killing an estimated 300 Germans, capturing 215 prisoners, reduced two major fortifications, and routing a large enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Maroun's inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
Herald Staff Writer By MELISSA STODDARD
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Autrey Joseph Maroun, who led American troops into battle against German soldiers at Fort d'Illange, Thionville, France, during World War II, died Monday at his Pebble Beach home. He was 91.
Maj. Gen. Maroun was the battalion commander for the 2nd Battalion 378th Infantry, 95th Infantry Division on Nov. 11, 1944, when he was the first American officer to open Thionville to freedom. It was also the unit's first combat experience, lasting until Nov. 15, 1944. Maj.
Gen. Maroun and the troops were forced to cross a flooded river at daybreak against German-occupied fortresses bristling with mortars and machine gun nests, according to a 1994 Herald article.
Maj. Gen. Maroun was born April 19, 1914, in Shreveport, La. He graduated from Gulf Coast Academy in 1929 and attended Tulane University for two years before receiving a congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1935.
In 1946, Maj. Gen. Maroun was assigned as executive officer to the chief of counsel for War Crimes in Nurnberg, Germany.
During the Korean War, Maj. Gen. Maroun served as commander of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, later becoming the first G3 of the IX Corps. He then commanded the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colo., from 1964 to 1966. Among his other
high-level assignments, he was chief military planning officer with the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization in Bangkok, Thailand.
He ended his military career as special assistant to the comptroller of the Army, which included testifying in Manpower and Budget Hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committee in 1972.
He retired in 1992 and moved to Pebble Beach. He was active with the Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Church of the Wayfarer, serving on various committees.
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Legion of Merit with Oak
Leaf Cluster, Order of Nassau with Swords from the Queen of the Netherlands, and Medal for Meritorious Service from Republic of the Philippines.
In September 1994, Thionville honored Maj. Gen. Maroun as its Citizen of Honor for the 50th anniversary of the city's liberation, flying him overseas for the celebration.
He is survived by his current wife; three stepsons; a brother of Shreveport, La.; and several step-grandchildren.
His first wife, Amy, and brother, Lawrence, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Church of the Wayfarer, Carmel. Inurnment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in October.
Memorial donations may be made to Army Emergency Relief, Building 4260, Presidio of Monterey, Monterey CA 93944 or the American Red Cross. The Paul Mortuary handled arrangements.
Information courtesy of Find A Grave contributor hgs205
----------
DSC Citation Synopsis
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Autrey Joseph Maroun (ASN: 0-19865), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 11 to 15 November 1944, in the vicinity of Fort d'Illange, Thionville, France. During five days of this action, the 2d Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment engaged in its first offensive operation. On 15 November 1944, Colonel Maroun and his troops were forced to cross the flooded Mozelle River at daybreak against German-occupied fortresses bristling with mortars and machine gun nests and advanced against stubbornly resisting enemy, killing an estimated 300 Germans, capturing 215 prisoners, reduced two major fortifications, and routing a large enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Maroun's inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Autrey Joseph Maroun, who led American troops into battle against German soldiers at Fort d'Illange, Thionville, France, during World War II, died Monday at his Pebble Beach home. He was 91.
Maj. Gen. Maroun was the battalion commander for the 2nd Battalion 378th Infantry, 95th Infantry Division on Nov. 11, 1944, when he was the first American officer to open Thionville to freedom. It was also the unit's first combat experience, lasting until Nov. 15, 1944. Maj.
Gen. Maroun and the troops were forced to cross a flooded river at daybreak against German-occupied fortresses bristling with mortars and machine gun nests, according to a 1994 Herald article.
Maj. Gen. Maroun was born April 19, 1914, in Shreveport, La. He graduated from Gulf Coast Academy in 1929 and attended Tulane University for two years before receiving a congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1935.
In 1946, Maj. Gen. Maroun was assigned as executive officer to the chief of counsel for War Crimes in Nurnberg, Germany.
During the Korean War, Maj. Gen. Maroun served as commander of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, later becoming the first G3 of the IX Corps. He then commanded the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colo., from 1964 to 1966. Among his other
high-level assignments, he was chief military planning officer with the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization in Bangkok, Thailand.
He ended his military career as special assistant to the comptroller of the Army, which included testifying in Manpower and Budget Hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committee in 1972.
He retired in 1992 and moved to Pebble Beach. He was active with the Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Church of the Wayfarer, serving on various committees.
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Legion of Merit with Oak
Leaf Cluster, Order of Nassau with Swords from the Queen of the Netherlands, and Medal for Meritorious Service from Republic of the Philippines.
In September 1994, Thionville honored Maj. Gen. Maroun as its Citizen of Honor for the 50th anniversary of the city's liberation, flying him overseas for the celebration.
He is survived by his current wife; three stepsons; a brother of Shreveport, La.; and several step-grandchildren.
His first wife, Amy, and brother, Lawrence, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Church of the Wayfarer, Carmel. Inurnment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in October.
Memorial donations may be made to Army Emergency Relief, Building 4260, Presidio of Monterey, Monterey CA 93944 or the American Red Cross. The Paul Mortuary handled arrangements.
Information courtesy of Find A Grave contributor hgs205
----------
DSC Citation Synopsis
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Autrey Joseph Maroun (ASN: 0-19865), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 11 to 15 November 1944, in the vicinity of Fort d'Illange, Thionville, France. During five days of this action, the 2d Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment engaged in its first offensive operation. On 15 November 1944, Colonel Maroun and his troops were forced to cross the flooded Mozelle River at daybreak against German-occupied fortresses bristling with mortars and machine gun nests and advanced against stubbornly resisting enemy, killing an estimated 300 Germans, capturing 215 prisoners, reduced two major fortifications, and routing a large enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Maroun's inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
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