First Battalion, 24th Marines

EDWARD WALTER DUBECK
DOG COMPANY MACHINE GUNNER, JANUARY 1943 – MARCH 1944
ABLE COMPANY MACHINE GUNNER, MARCH 1944 – AUGUST 1945

Ed DuBeck served with Company D, 24th Marines from training through the battle of Namur, where his nighttime firing drew the wrath of his lieutenant – but killed 40 Japanese soldiers and earned him praise of hometown newspapers. Transferred to Company A in the spring of 1944, DuBeck led a machine gun squad into action on Saipan, and was rewarded with a promotion to corporal for his performance. During the landing on Tinian, he took command of a leaderless rifle squad and directed them in demolishing a pillbox; he would receive the Silver Star for gallantry, and the Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds in his hand. The irrepressible corporal returned to the company within weeks and would go on to fight on Iwo Jima, earning a commendation for his performance.

Mr. DuBeck passed away in July, 2016.
All images on this page are courtesy of the DuBeck family, with special thanks to Shane Hickey.

Private Edward DuBeck, probably at New River in late 1942 or early 1943.

A closeup of DuBeck in his forest-green service uniform.

With a buddy at New River.

A Marine sergeant instructs one of his men in the notoriously difficult “sitting posture.”

DuBeck with a buddy, date and location unknown.

Climbing down a net meant to simulate debarking from a troop transport.

Ed DuBeck relaxes in a tree between drills.

A nice study of the M1917 Browning water-cooled .30 caliber machine gun – the primary weapon of DuBeck’s machine gun platoon.

Three machine gunners at New River, 1943. Clifford “Joe” Devoy, Ed DuBeck, and Joseph Peterpaul.

“Field Day.” When not training, quarters were to be kept spotless.

DuBeck with a friend. The sweaters were a popular accessory in the chilly North Carolina winter.

Ed does some washing up. Probably taken at Camp Pendleton, 1943.

These articles, published in the spring of 1944, describe DuBeck’s bravery in the battle of Namur. Visit http://delvalnamknights.org/ for more information

DuBeck with a friend on liberty from Camp Maui.

Machine gunners take a liberty break on the beach.

Batter up!

DuBeck was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on June 24, 1944, during the landing on Tinian.

Due to the lengthy review process, Corporal DuBeck did not receive his Silver Star medal until June, 1945.

Ed DuBeck wears his Silver Star with pride at Camp Maui, 1945.

Ed DuBeck’s Silver Star, awarded for the battle of Tinian. The other ribbon is unidentified but, with the chrysanthemum device attached, may have been Japanese.

He also would be awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received in action.

Ed DuBeck’s Purple Heart.

In his final battle, DuBeck was again cited for bravery, this time while attached to Baker Company.

DuBeck’s well-earned discharge from the Marine Corps.

At home in Philadelphia after the war.

At home in Philadelphia after the war.