Joey Martin (1 June 1924-) was a US Army private who served in the 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division during World War II under the command of Steve Foley and Gregory Moody
Biography[]
Early life[]
Born on June 1, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. Like many Americans of those years, he was brought up in the family of a World War I veteran. In 1942, he volunteered for the paratroopers, where he became friends with a fighter from the 82nd Airborne Division, Anthony Elder
Camp Toccoa[]
In August 1942, Martin takes an accelerated training course under the command of strict Captain Foley, after physical exercises, Martin falls under the command of Sergeant Moody. Pretty quickly, Martin learned how to handle weapons and explosives. which caused considerable pride in a rather strict sergeant.
Operation Overlord[]
On June 5, 1944, Martin lands on the outskirts of Steel. Mere-Eglise is looking for Sergeant Heath, but Heath died and Martin acts alone, installing a beacon Martin thereby signals where to land the allies. The paratroopers land under machine-gun fire from the Germans, but nevertheless capture the house and meet with Captain Foley. Foley orders the capture of the city, the paratroopers again come under intense machine gun and artillery fire, then stumble upon a self-propelled gun. Martin killed the machine gunner, thereby giving passage to the paratroopers. Martin planted explosives under all the anti-aircraft guns. Foley congratulates the paratroopers on their victory, but forces them to be alert.
The next morning on June 6, the Germans started shelling again. Martin and his comrades hid in the house, during a lull Foley ordered to explore the area. Johnson died, a German Tiger tank suddenly appeared, but Martin destroyed it with a faustpatron. Then Martin, with the help of MG-42, helped the paratroopers repel another wave of opponents. Then the detachment destroyed all the tanks and mortar crews of the Germans. Foley ordered Moody to come to Major Sheppard's headquarters and tell him that the town was being held, but the paratroopers needed help.
Driving down Normandy Route N13, Martin defended the vehicle along with Elder from German troops. However, along the way, the group's car got destroyed. Moody quickly discovered a Kübelwagen, and ordered Elder to hot-wire the car and Martin to protect him. The trio arrived at headquarters. Moody then reported to Major Sheppard.
Moody was given orders to lead a force to assault Brecourt Manor and eliminate the FlaK guns. Arriving at the location at 0900 hours, Martin and Baker Company destroyed the machine gun nests surrounding the FlaK guns. Moody planted charges on two of the anti-aircraft guns. Martin also collected enemy documents within the nearby bunker. Martin had to destroy the remaining guns after Sgt. Moody had to rescue a wounded man. Then proceeded to destroy the rest of the German FlaK 88's in a small French village just outside of Brecourt Manor and returned to HQ.
On August 7, 1944, the paratroopers received orders to rescue two high-ranking British officers: Captain Price and Major Ingram, who were being held in a castle in the Bavarian Alps. Having broken through the resistance on the street, the paratroopers moved deeper into the castle, finding only Captain Price. But Price said that everything was fine since he learned that the major was being held in a camp called Dulag III in Strassgoch, Austria.
A month later, the paratroopers moved to Dulag III to rescue Major Ingram, unlike previous missions, Foley did not actively participate in the battle, but guarded the truck. Having broken the resistance, Martin meets a man who strangles a German officer. I am glad to meet the Americans, but there is no time to "say hello and hug", the paratroopers with the major successfully reached the truck. Major Ingram praised and thanked the Americans for the rescue.
Battle of Bulge[]
On January 15, 1945, the 101st Airborne Division arrived in Recon, Belgium. Foley's squad was ordered to storm two German bunkers and seize enemy documents. Martin coped with the task, but Foley, noticing the appearance of 2 dumb Tiger tanks, panics and orders Martin to blow them up. Martin copes with the task with the help of two Flak88s, and Foley can't even believe that they were able to survive this fight.
Later life[]
After winning the war, Martin returned to his home in Nebraska and became a policeman. Martin married and raised a daughter and is still peacefully living out his old age.