A Tribute To Donald Malarkey, Oldest Living Band Of Brothers Veteran (Watch)

Left image, Wikipedia. Right image: Flickr / Dalton
Left image, Wikipedia. Right image: Flickr / Dalton

Easy Company was part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. It fought at Normandy in June 1944 and participated in the liberation of the Netherlands and the invasion of Germany.

They were fighting when Germany surrendered in May 1945. Easy, or E Company was immortalized by the successful television miniseries Band of Brothers, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and starring Damian Lewis.

The oldest survivor of E Company is Donald Malarkey. He was born on July 31, 1921. He was raised a Roman Catholic in Astoria, Oregon. He excelled in athletics and displayed a huge enthusiasm for life. Malarkey was drafted in July 1942. He trained as a parachutist in the 506th and was assigned to Easy Company. He landed with the Company at Normandy on D-Day.

Marlarkey served with distinction during his time with Easy Company. He spent more time on the front lines than any other member of Easy Company. He was more than willing to put himself in danger for the sake of his comrades and his country.

He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the American Campaign Medal, amongst other decorations.

After the war, Malarkey returned to Oregon. The successful miniseries Band of Brothers tells the story of Easy Company. The character of Donald Malarkey is played by Scott Grimes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnR2wuK4gJo

Joris Nieuwint

Joris Nieuwint is a battlefield guide for the Operation Market Garden area. His primary focus is on the Allied operations from September 17th, 1944 onwards. Having lived in the Market Garden area for 25 years, he has been studying the events for nearly as long. He has a deep understanding of the history and a passion for sharing the stories of the men who are no longer with us.

@joris1944 facebook.com/joris.nieuwint