The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SGT Guido John Marchi, 37873516, who died in the service of his country on June 14th, 1945 in Luzon. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Guido was 22 years of age. He was from Centerville, Iowa.
The decorations earned by SGT Guido John Marchi include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Burial:
Oakland Cemetery
Centerville
Appanoose County
Iowa, USA
Plot: Block 43, Lot 25, Grave E 1/2 space #4; Third
Was the lead person in the lead unit to take on resistance about 1000 yards from "San Francisco" area in Luzon. It was just over "The Old Spanish Trail" which is what they called the battle that took place from 10-27 June 1945. Took a bullet from machine gun fire and was killed instantly. His company soon overwhelmed the enemy nest but SGT Marchi, taking the lead for his company, was already gone.
Mr. John Marchi
516 East Elm Street
Centerville, Iowa
Dear Mr. Marchi:
I have the honor to inform you that, by direction of the President, the Bronze Star for Valor has been posthumously awarded to your son Sergeant, then Private First Class , Guido Marchi, Infantry. The citation is as follows:
Bronze Star Medal
"For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the Japanese forces at Kapintalan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 23 April 1945. When his squad was assigned the mission of making a flanking attack on an enemy force entrenched on a high ridge north of Kapintalan, Sergeant Marchi, accompanied by two other soldiers, voluntarily headed the assault. Disregarding his own personal safety, and in the face of heavy enemy rifle fire, he advanced up a steep incline directly toward the entrenched enemy, firing his automatic rifle from his hip as he moved. His deadly fire killed at least four of the enemy; and so demoralized the remainder that they fled in panic, leaving their weapons and equipment. Sergeant Marchi's heroic actions contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the mission without any casualties to his men; reflecting credit upon himself and the military service."
(Authority: GO number 53, 25th infantry Division, 11 September 1945)
The decoration will be forwarded to the Commanding General, Seventh Service Command, Omaha, Nebraska; who will select an officer to make the presentation. The officer selected will communicate with you concerning your wishes about the presentation.
My deepest sympathy is extended to you in your bereavement.
Sincerely Yours, Edward F Whitsell, Major General, The Adjutant General
Letter Tells of Heroic Death of Appanoose Boy
Mr. and Mrs. John Marchi recently received details of their son's Guido death in a letter from his company commander:
By this time you have been notified of your son, Sgt. Guido Marchi with whom we served many months. As Guido's Company Commander, I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and at the same time give you a few of the circumstances surrounding his death.
On 14 June 1945, our company was given the mission of capturing and securing a high piece of ground overlooking the Old Spanish Trail. This piece of ground was approximately 1,000 yards southwest of San Francisco, Luzon, Philippine Islands. The first platoon was the lead element of the company, and Guido's squad was the leading element of his platoon. Enemy resistance had been encountered on the trail the previous day; so Guido decided to move his leading squad through the tall native grass bordering the trail on the right. This action would screen their movement forward.
During his advance it was necessary for Guido to proceed along the edge of a hill where the grass was sparse. As the squad entered this sparse area, they received intense Japanese machine gun and rifle fire from their left flank and from their front.
Guido, who was the leading man of his squad, was hit by a Japanese bullet and killed instantly. I assure you that you can be justly proud in the knowledge that his actions were willing, loyal, and courageous in making the greatest sacrifice a man can make-his life for his country and loved ones. Guido was buried with full military honors in the United States Armed Forces Cemetery at Santa Barbara, Luzon, Philippine Islands.
Sincerely Yours,
Bernard G Shepherd
Captain, 35th Infantry, Commanding
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