- SURNAME
Markham
- FORENAME
Jerry Neal
- UNIT
U.S.N.R. N.C.D.U. 46
- RANK
Chief Machinists Mate
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Navy Cross
- PLACE
Normandy 1944 (Omaha Beach)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Jacksonville, Florida
born 4.9.1918 Mobile, Alabama
attended School of Business at Harvard University
1935 married Ruby E. (nee Sparks) Markham
resided 3215 Brentwood Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida
served Navy 1943-1946, received Navy Cross & Croix de Guerre
WIA
2 sons Victor Kemp (1938-1974) & Robert Neal
2 daughters Sylvia and Betty
1945 divorced
40 years career as business leader and executive
died 01.02.2008, Jacksonville, Florida
CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Machinist's Mate Jerry Neal Markham, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as a Member of Naval Combat Demolition Unit, during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. When the Officer in Charge of his unit was killed on landing, Chief Machinist's Mate Markham assumed command of the remainder of his unit and blew a partial gap in the enemy beach obstacles. After leading injured members of his crew to safety, he assisted other units in demolitions, succeeded in saving three men buried as a result of a cave-in caused by a shell explosion, and for forty-eight hours directed his men in the clearance of beach obstacles with commandeered equipment after explosives for that purpose had been expended. His display of courage and devotion to duty on this occasion reflects the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/21351http://www.navyfrogmen.com/fiftiesfrogs/vol5/d_day.htm
https://obits.nj.com/us/obituaries/starledger/name/jerry-markham-obituary?pid=103119477
https://evergreenpodcasts.com/warriors-in-their-own-words/episode-106-hitting-the-beach-on-d-day
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