Dave Marshall and Daniel Breier

WWII veterans Dave Marshall and Daniel Breier have been friends since meeting at City College more than 60 years ago. Both were drafted into the United States Army in 1943 during the height of the War, but served the nation in two very different parts of the world.

Dave Marshall saw combat as an infantryman and Corporal in the 84th Infantry Division, also known as the “Railsplitters,” between 1943 and 1946. He served on the front lines throughout Europe during some of the most intense fighting of the War. Corporal Marshall was deployed to Omaha Beach in November 1944, as well as during the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most deadly and impactful battles in American military history.

Following the surrender of Germany, Corporal Marshall spent the remainder of his time in the service stationed in Reims, France, working with his unit to free prisoners who had been captured by the Nazis and held throughout Europe.

After leaving service in 1946, Corporal Marshall went back to school, earned a degree in Chemistry from City College, then decided to change careers and work for himself, making and selling cosmetics machinery. Corporal Marshall currently lives in Baldwin with his wife, Ester, to whom he has been married since 1949. Together, they have two children and six grandchildren.

Daniel Breier served honorably in both the 87th and 24th Infantries, and rose from Private to Battalion Sergeant Major, the highest rank for an enlisted man.

Major Breier was stationed in both New Guinea and the Philippines. Serving with the 24th Infantry, Major Breier fought during the invasions of Leyte and Mindanao. For his actions in battle on the Philippine Island of Mindoro, Major Breier was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Major Breier continued to see combat in the Philippines until the surrender of Japan in 1945. Following V-J Day, Major Breier was stationed in occupied Japan and witnessed first-hand the immense defenses that the Japanese army had put in place to fight the U.S. soldiers and the chilling effects that the end of the War had on the Japanese people.

Following the War, Major Breier attended City College through the G.I. Bill, and eventually became a Certified Public Accountant. He resides in Oceanside and has been married to his wife, Zelda, for more than 60 years. Together, they have three children and four grandchildren.