Here's a group of people whose story I would like to read about.

Fighters for Israel's freedom honored

Fifty-seven years after volunteering in Israel's war of independence, Marvin Libow still becomes flushed with emotion when he recalls his harrowing experience and the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers.

"I needed to be here, to commemorate my friends and celebrate all that their sacrifices have given the world," said Libow as he choked back tears yesterday morning before a memorial service at the U.S. Military Academy's Jewish Chapel. The service was honoring Col. David (Mickey) Marcus and the 40 other North American volunteers who died while fighting to preserve Israel's creation.

"Colonel Marcus laid down his life so other Jews could be free," said Cadet Matthew Moosey, a West Point senior.

Marcus, West Point class of 1924, served in World War II, including a brief stint with the Army's 101 Airborne Division. He rose to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army before retiring after the war.

After going to Israel, he became a brigadier general, the first Israeli general in 2,000 years, some historians have said. He was put in charge of the Jerusalem front, where he was successful. He was accidentally killed by one of his own sentries in June 1948, the night before a cease-fire took effect.


Col. David (Mickey) Marcus