Edward Walter Dubeck

Enlisted at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 24 August 1942. Boot camp at Parris Island and New River with Sixth Separate Recruit Battalion. Outposted directly to Dog Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) on 25 October 1942.

Outfit: D/1/24th Marines
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 653 (Squad Leader)
Important Events: 

Dubeck was entrenched in a foxhole and the intermittent rat-tat-tat of his machine gun had disturbed the night, also disturbed and annoyed his superior officer, Lieutenant Donovan. Donovan sent him the following message: “There aren’t any Japs out there, and that night shooting is liable to get you killed by someone mistaking you for a Jap.”

“I am firing at the Japs, sir,” was Ed’s only reply. And as the stealthy forms crept up, their purpose to infiltrate the foxholes, Ed mowed them down. With grim determination he kept firing throughout the night – his vision perhaps aided by each successive explosion of his death-dealing projectiles.

Upon inspection by the light of morning, his lieutenant, who had labeled him “Trigger Happy,” found forty cold Japanese sprawled in the grotesque stillness brought on by sudden and violent death.

All who knew the smiling, affable and well-liked Dubeck, who had barely served two years of his toolmaker’s apprenticeship with the Atlantic Mfg. Co., would have figured this heroic exploit as far remote from him as the stars.

– Anthony Strada, The Square Dealer

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 653 (Squad Leader)
Important Events:
July 18, 1944 – promoted to corporal

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: Corporal
MOS: 653 (Squad Leader)
Important Events:
July 24, 1944 – wounded in action (shrapnel, right hand); evacuated to unknown transport. Awarded Silver Star Medal for actions on this date:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Edward W. Dubeck (MCSN: 440843), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands, 24 July 1944. Boldly assuming command of a rifle squad when the squad leader was wounded and when his own machine gun had been destroyed, Corporal Dubeck led the squad towards an enemy pillbox, knocking out this pocket of hostile resistance. Later, while continuing to lead the squad, he was wounded by enemy fire. His courage under fire, resolute leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Campaign Narrative

Following evacuation, transported via USS Fuller and USS Chevalier to US Naval Base Hospital #3 (Espiritu Santo). Under treatment through 13 September 1944, at which point cleared to return to duty. Rejoined Able Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines at Camp Maui on 14 September 1944.

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: Corporal
MOS: 600 (Machine Gun NCO)
Important Events:
February 24, 1945 – received Letter of Commendation for actions on this date.

Campaign Narrative

Returned to continental United States with First Battalion. On 27 October 1945, transferred to NTC Bainbridge, Maryland, for processing and discharge. Received honorable discharge on 6 November 1945.