Smith, Marvin A. - 340th Construction/Combat Engineers
Branch of Service: Army - 340th Construction/Combat Engineers
Rank at Discharge: PFC
Honors or Medals: 1 Service Stripe, 6 Overseas Service Bars, Asiatic/Pacific Unit Badge with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, World War II Victory Medal
Marvin Smith was born in Evanston, IL and was drafted into the Army on January 22, 1942. After some training, he was assigned to the 340th Construction Engineers. His Battalion was sent to Alaska/Canada to build the famous Alcan Highway. This was a major achievement since the men had to endure sub-freezing temperatures and
it was a battle to keep the equipment running in the sub-freezing temperatures. For this project, his Battalion was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge.
After the Alcan Highway was completed, his Battalion was shipped overseas to the Pacific Theatre where they hop-skipped through many islands including Australia, New Zealand, Luzon, New Guinea, and Morotai. They built air strips and bridges and anything else that needed building. Many times, Japanese planes would shoot at them and enemy snipers were always threatening them. Marvin battled malaria as well as Japanese soldiers. His Battalion was starting to prepare for an invasion of Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped and the war was over. He was very thankful
that the invasion did not have to take place.
He returned home and was honorably discharged on December 6, 1945 from Camp Grant, Illinois. As of this date, he is still living in his little hometown in Illinois.
Story Submitted by: Barb Smith
December 2009
December 28th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I’ve heard him tell some of these stories but I see there was much I did not know. Pretty amazing.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I’ve also heard the story of the Alcon highway.His company did some amazing things to get thru nasty weather conditions and moving that heavy machinery thru mud and snow.Well done!
December 29th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
That is a very nice article.
Paul said he was a very handsome soldier.
Marvin, we would like to thank you for your service.
December 29th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
When I would come over to Marvins home I enjoyed listening to many of his stories about his different combat stories. Knowing that he went through this many experience. I wish some one would write down the different stories so these stories don,t get lost of all are pass veterans and wars. God bless all men and wimen in the Arm Force Rich
December 31st, 2009 at 7:18 am
Marvin is my father and I spent many hours listening to his stories of WWII. Sometimes I was fascinated, sometimes I was excited and sometimes I was bored with hearing a story for the fifteenth time. However, I was always left with a sense of respect and appreciation for what he, and others, went through.
The pride I feel in my dad for those accomplishments and for the work and sacrifices he made in order to provide his family a decent life is immense.
January 6th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
I was in Alaska 4Yrs ago and saw the equipment that they used to build the Alcan Highway. It’s amazing that they did the job they did. I’ve seen videos of it being built too,Unbelievable!! They built a bridge out of lumber from the trees, In three days!! [Now adays it takes 3-5 years]. and the mud they had to work in besides dealing with the cold. KUDOS to you Uncle Marvin I’m Proud to be related to you!
August 19th, 2010 at 9:31 am
I have never read a veteran’s story that wasn’t inspiring. I helped a veteran write his military biography which he self published for his family (grandkids especially and children). It was a fantastic experience for both of us. My Mom was a French national during the German occupation so I have unique knowledge of the experience from her perspective (she married an American GI). I am interested in helping other veterans share their military stories with their families and with other veterans.