As a young Coast Guardsman in World War II, Marvin drove a Higgins landing craft in some of the most horrific battles in the War. He was at the helm of one of the crafts when the U. S. stormed Normandy Beach.
Marvin came home from the War, married and raised a daughter. He never forgot his Coast Guard days and for many decades he visited schools, churches, and anywhere that people wanted to hear his stories of World War II. He was very instrumental in having a Higgins landing craft designed and built for the World War II Museum in New Orleans.
As part of the celebrations of Memorial Day Marvin, widowed and in his 82nd year, set up his displays at the New Orleans Coast Guard Station on Lake Pontchartrain and for several days he gave rides on the Higgins Landing Craft to interested parties and VIP's. This photo was taken on Wednesday and on Friday morning his daughter in Chicago e-mailed me that she could not get in touch with him. The same on Saturday but she assumed he was out on the water doing what he so loved. On Sunday morning a Coast Guardsman went to his home because he had not shown up for the festivities. He found Marvin sitting in his chair lifeless. It is presumed that he died on Friday morning.
Marvin went as he would have liked--with a fellow Coast Guardsman finding his still body.
Rest in peace, Marvin. Well done, Sir.