Marshall enlisted in the U.S.Army after being in the ROTC program at North Texas Agricultural College. He was inducted into the Army on June 10, 1943.
After stateside training, Marshall was assigned to the 98th Infantry Division. This division was known as the “Iroquois Division.” The division was activated on September 15,1942. The division went overseas on April 13, 1944 and served in Hawaii.
Marshall was assigned to the 6th Army Headquarters, Hawaii and eventually attained the rank of Technical Sergeant 3. He had various jobs with the 98th Infantry including rifleman, special services, and other duties.
The 98th division was one of the first divisions to land on the shores of Japan after the surrender.
Marshall tells an amusing story of his landing in Japan. After wading in the ocean, after coming off his landing craft, in a cold downpour, Marshall saw his first Japanese citizen.
Marshall says that the Japanese gentleman was dressed completely in black. He was carrying an umbrella as well. Another soldier in Marshall’s unit went up to the welcoming committee of sorts the soldier asked “What do you say Tojo?” The gentleman in black simply replied “Nice day for a landing!”
Marshall was discharged from the Army on February 22, 1946.
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