Marcus, Mickey

David Marcus

A West Point cadet, Marcus was a intercollegiate welterweight boxing champion who went on to become the first General of Israel in 2,000 years. One of the most famous heroes of Israel's 1948 war of Independence, Marcus was a great military leader and an inspiring human being to his Israeli troops. He is the subject of Cast a Giant Shadow, a biography by Ted Berkman that was made into a major Hollywood feature film starring Kirk Douglas as General Marcus. Marcus died to save Jerusalem and is the only soldier interred at West Point who died fighting under a foreign flag. On his gravestone is written: "Colonel David Marcus -- A Soldier For All Humanity".

Birth and Death Dates:
b. February 22, 1902 - d. June 11, 1948

Career Highlights:
Marcus began to box as a lightweight at the U.S. Military Academy in 1920, when the sport was introduced at West Point. In 1923, he was the intercollegiate welterweight champion. Later, while serving as a lieutenant on active duty, he secretly fought as a professional under the name Danny Marx. Marcus joined the Israeli army as a commander during the War of Independence, and introduced boxing to his troops. He was killed near Jerusalem shortly before the truce.

Origin:
New York City

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