Metropolis in Massac County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Honoring All Our Defenders of Freedom
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
1. Honoring All Our Defenders of Freedom Marker
It was a parachute plunge heard around the world when our own ''Man of Steele'', John Marvin Steele, hung on a steeple of the St. Mere Eglise Church in France. It was D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the warning bells clanged and deafened him, he had no idea he would someday be portrayed in the movie "The Longest Day" as a symbol of those who gave their all in World War II. Shot and captured by the Germans, he escaped to serve again and is buried at the Masonic Cemetery on North Avenue, here in Metropolis. Always grateful, to this day the citizens of St. Mere Eglise have kept a parachute and effigy of him hanging on the church for all to see and to remember.
Preceding those in valor were Metropolis's own famous African American men of Company M, 18th Regiment of the State of Illinois, nationally recognized for their great fighting ability in World War I.
Looking at the 'WACS and Waves' and the symbols of all our Nations' branches of service, reminds us of those who have served in great moments of history and of those who still serve today, to allow us to stand here to enjoy the good life of freedom with our loved ones.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 37° 9.14′ N, 88° 43.942′ W. Marker is in Metropolis, Illinois, in Massac County. Memorial is at the intersection of Superman Square and Market Street, on the right when traveling west on Superman Square. Marker and mural are on the south wall of the building at this address. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 522 Market Street, Metropolis IL 62960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oscar Micheaux: 1884–1951 (within shouting distance of this marker); Annie Turnbo Malone: 1869–1957 (within shouting distance of this marker); Superman Statue Facts (within shouting distance of this marker); Super Heroes (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cowling (within shouting distance of this marker); Looking Back Through Time (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Metropolis Fire Department History (about 500 feet away); Southern Magnolia (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metropolis.
Also see . . .
1. The Story of John Steele, the Sainte-Mère-Eglise Paratrooper.
John(Submitted on November 20, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)is wounded on the left foot, probably by a flesh-ripping jagged piece of steel, but continues his descent towards the central square where a barn is on fire. While trying to avoid the blaze, he crashed on the church, a beautiful building of the XII century. His parachute clings to one of the sculptures erected at the base of the bell tower and leaves him suspended at a dozen meters from the ground. He tries to cut himself loose, but his knife escapes his grip and falls along the wall. He is now more helpless than ever, a mere puppet at the mercy of enemy fire, forced to play dead, his eyes half opened, praying…Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 20212. Honoring All Our Defenders of Freedom Marker(looking north • marker on right side of mural • Market Street on left)
2. SSGT John Marvin Steele (Find a Grave).
His D-Day experience was portrayed in the 1962 film "The Longest Day" with Red Buttons playing him.(Submitted on November 20, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
3. Honoring All Our Defenders of Freedom Mural
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 261 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 20, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
