Virgil Malone

Staff Sergeant Virgil Malone, U.S. Army, was born 8 June 1921 and raised in Comanche, Oklahoma. Drafted on 11 December 1942, Malone entered Basic Training at Camp Howze, Texas, and was assigned as a rifleman to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 335th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division. His military preparation included participation in the extensive Louisiana Maneuvers of September 1943, which equipped the 84th Division for combat in Europe.

On 4 November 1944 Malone landed with the 84th Division on Omaha Beach, France. Soon after, his regiment was deployed to northwest Germany where they engaged German forces during Operation Clipper and fought through the formidable Siegfried Line. Following these successes, on 20-21 December the Division moved into Belgium to defend the strategic Marche-Hotten Road. Malone and his squad played a crucial role in holding this route, enabling the 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions to counter the German Panzer-Lehr Division in a fierce Battle of the Bulge combat.

On 23 January 1945, near Gouvy, Belgium, Malone’s platoon came under intense enemy fire. Demonstrating remarkable bravery, Malone exposed himself to draw fire away from his comrades, allowing his platoon to neutralize a hostile machine gun position. During the action, he suffered a serious head wound and was evacuated to the United States. He was awarded the Purple Heart, and for his valor, he received the Silver Star.

After leaving the Army with the rank of Staff Sergeant, Malone worked at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, eventually retiring as Aircraft Fuel Chief in 1974. Remembered for a life of service and courage, he passed away in 2004 and is buried at Rossville Cemetery, Lincoln County, Oklahoma.