Marnell Square

Marnell Square. . , Richard L. Marnell was a native of Amsterdam, who was born and raised in this South Side neighborhood before joining the Army for service in World War II. During more than two years of fierce fighting in the European theater with General George Patton's elite uth Infantry Regiment, sth Infantry Division, better known as the "Red Devils.", Platoon Sergeant Marnell became the most decorated soldier in our City's history. He fought in five major campaigns of the War including the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe and the Rhineland. He was wounded three times, was awarded numerous medals including the Distinguished Service Cross for Extraordinary Heroism. After the war, he returned home to Amsterdam and purchased and operated a neighborhood tavern called Carl's, which was located just three blocks south from this spot at the foot of a castle which then served as a National Guard Armory. Both the building that housed Marnell's tavern and the castle still stand today. Marnell died in September of 1970. This Square forever honors the gallant service of this brave native son., Awards: Distinguished Service Cross; The Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters; 3 Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters; The Distinguished Unit Emblem; the Army Good Conduct Medal: the American . Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal with 5 bronze service stars for Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe and the Rhineland; the world war two Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp; the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross with 1 gold and 4 silver device cross attachments; the New York State Conspicuous Service Star, The New York Liberty Award, U.S. Army Honorable Discharge and Lozenge Lapel Pin.