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David ‘Mickey’ MarcusMilitary History | 7 comments | Print This Post | Email This Post
By June 7, one week after construction began, the road was open and the first truck convoys made the slow, hazardous passage. United Nations mediator Count Folke Bernadotte, meanwhile, had negotiated the cease-fire time for 10:00 a.m. on June 11, 1948. The siege of Jerusalem had been broken, however, and the Israelis had a credible claim on their land link with the city. Subscribe Today
The night before the cease-fire took effect, Marcus and his staff held a celebration in the ancient village of Abu Ghosh, some eight miles east of Jerusalem. In the early morning hours, Marcus found himself unable to sleep and went for a walk. On his way out, he was recognized by the sentry, who waved to him. Shortly after, the relief sentry showed up–25 minutes early. Not knowing that his commander was out walking around, the new sentry challenged the blanket-clad figure as soon as he saw him. Marcus replied in English, which confused the sentry, a recent immigrant. The sentry fired a shot in the air, but the figure in the dark kept coming. The sentry lowered his rifle and fired again. Mickey Marcus fell dead at 3:50 a.m. with a bullet through his heart–the last casualty before the cease-fire.
Marcus’ troops brought him back to Tel Aviv in a coffin strapped to the hood of a jeep. Robert Capa, the internationally famous war photographer, accompanied the body. When they returned him to New York City, Marcus was escorted by Moshe Dayan and Yosef Hamburger, the Haganah commander of the blockade-running ship Exodus. After a funeral service at Union Temple, they took Marcus back to West Point, where he was buried on July 2, 1948–28 years to the day after he first reported there as a plebe. Among the mourners were Thomas E. Dewey, then governor of New York, and Maxwell Taylor, the superintendent of West Point.
In 1962, author Ted Berkman wrote Marcus’ story in Cast a Giant Shadow. Four years later, the book was made into a movie, starring Kirk Douglas. Although the film’s story line typified Hollywood’s general lack of respect for historical fact, Douglas’ portrayal of the irrepressible Marcus vividly captured the fiery spirit of the man.
David Ben-Gurion later said of Marcus: ‘He was the best man we had.’ His gravestone at West Point reads: ‘Colonel David Marcus–A Soldier for All Humanity.’ This article was written by David T. Zabecki and originally published in the April 1998 issue of Military History magazine.
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            Tags: 20th - 21st Century, Historical Conflicts, Historical Figures
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7 Comments to “David ‘Mickey’ Marcus”
The birth date listed for Mickey Marcus is incorrect. He was born on February 23, 1901. I am a descendent of Mickey’s family (his mother, Leah Marcus nee Goldstein, and my great grandmother were sisters. I have a copy of Mickey’s birth certificate.
By Greg R. Tuckman on Jun 22, 2008 at 1:02 pm
As a teacher in a summer camp in N.H. for Jewish children, I did a project on Mickey Marcus as part of the theme of Israel 60 yrs. The 5th graders wrote some really nice things.And I’d love to share it with his children or grand children. Who is alive and can I write or email someone. thank you
By Rivka Zablocki on Jul 20, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Thanks for this article — it’s nice to fill in a lot of detail that doesn’t appear in the film of CAST A GIANT SHADOW. Melvin Shavelson’s book on the making that movie, HOW TO MAKE A JEWISH MOVIE, is also fascinating.
By Stu Shiffman on Aug 21, 2008 at 3:43 pm
great biograhy..The movie is tremendous and Kirk Douglas ,who is now in his 90,s deseved an oscar.I have been to Abu Gosh and also the large chuch there,if you are visiting the Jerusalem area it is a must.So are remnants of the Burma road.
By barry allsuch on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:57 am
i really enjoyed the movie i just watched (showtime) cast a giant shawdow. god did plan for israel to become a nation. the bible tells us that before jesus will return only after israel becomes a nation.in revelations (yes, the new testament which is a part of the whole complete bible) it tells us that god will increase knowledge the closer we get to the end (he says, put the seal away until the end) now that we are very close to the end-the bible is opening up with new info. like never before (this info. has always been there but god chose not to reveal it until now). we can now know (from the bible) that the church age ended in 1988 (god is only saving outside the church). we can know the return of our lord jesus christ (may 21st. 2011). when the bible talks about -jesus will come as a thief in the night or nobody can know the day or the hour .. it is talking about the unsaved of the world (children of the night). but the next verses after those says, but you brethen, you will know the time of my coming- you are children of light-therefore watch and be sober. please go to FAMILYRADIO.COM they have taped open forum’s (previous live call-in question and answer show) or you can listen live (mon.-fri. 8:30-10:00 pm est) check web-site for radio station near you. TIME REALLY IS RUNNING OUT.
By jay on Jan 19, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I saw the movie “Cast a giant shadow” last evening. Up till then I had not heard about the life of David Marcus. Who could of ever imagined that a young Manhatten boy would achieve such great accomplishments and be very effective citizen/soldier for the US and Israel.
Just as Joshua was used by God to lead his people into battle it appears that God prepared a young “David” from New York to lead his people into battle as Isreal became a nation.
I believe the real story of this man is far greater and deeper then Hollywood could portray but I appreciate that they made the effort so that folks like me might hear this of this courageous man.
It’s too bad that he was to lose his life at such a young age as I wonder what great works he might have continued to do.
I would have loved to serve with him.
Jack
By Jack on May 6, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Col David Daiel Marcus will be always remembered.He was a true lion of Juda and a champion of Israel.AS Ben Gurion said to his letter to his eife,his name will always lives in the annals of our people.
By David Gheytanchi on Jul 1, 2009 at 9:16 pm