Robert Passanisi enlisted his fellow surviving Marauders and the families of many who have died to begin lobbying for the honor four years ago. A final bill approved in September was sent October 6 to the White House where it awaits President Donald Trump's signature.
"After many years, all the sacrifices, and the suffering, are now finally recognized," said Passanisi, of Lindenhurst, New York. "It makes you feel like it was all worthwhile."
Inn 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed to have the U.S. Army assemble a ground unit for as long range mission behind enemy lines into Japanese-occupied Burma, now Myanmar. Seasoned infantry and newly enlisted soldiers alike volunteered for the mission, deemed so secret they weren't told where they were going.
Merrill's Marauders -- nicknamed for the unit's commander, Brigadier General Frank Merrill -- were tasked with cutting off Japanese communications and supply lines along their long march to the airfield at the occupied town of Myitkyina.
An Honor Richly Deserved. --GreGen
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