Melvin Earl Combs: A Life Of Football And Beyond

Who is Melvin Earl Combs?

Melvin Earl Combs was a decorated American soldier who served in the United States Army during World War II. He was born in 1921 in Martin County, Kentucky, and was raised on a farm. Combs enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. He fought in several major battles during the war, including the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

Combs was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for his actions during the war. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre. After the war, Combs returned to Kentucky and worked as a farmer. He died in 2008 at the age of 86.

Melvin Earl Combs

Melvin Earl Combs was a decorated American soldier who served in the United States Army during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for his actions during the war. After the war, Combs returned to Kentucky and worked as a farmer. He died in 2008 at the age of 86.

• Birth: 1921, Martin County, Kentucky
• Death: 2008, age 86
• Branch of service: United States Army
• Rank: Private First Class
• Awards: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, French Croix de Guerre
• Battles: Battle of Normandy, Battle of the Bulge
• Occupation after the war: Farmer

Combs' military service is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his country. He was a highly decorated soldier who fought in some of the most important battles of World War II. After the war, Combs returned to Kentucky and lived a quiet life as a farmer. He was a respected member of his community and a loving husband and father.

Birth

Melvin Earl Combs, a decorated American soldier, was born in Martin County, Kentucky, on 1921. His birthplace played a significant role in shaping his life and his eventual military service.

• Rural upbringing: Martin County is a rural area of Kentucky, and Combs' upbringing there instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of community.
• Patriotism: Martin County has a strong tradition of military service, and Combs was raised in an environment where patriotism was highly valued.
• Family influence: Combs' family members had served in the military, and their stories and experiences likely inspired him to join the Army.
• Economic opportunity: Martin County was a poor area during Combs' childhood, and joining the Army provided him with an opportunity to improve his economic prospects.

Combs' birthplace played a significant role in his decision to join the Army and in shaping his military experience. His rural upbringing, patriotism, family influence, and economic circumstances all contributed to his eventual service in World War II.

Death

Melvin Earl Combs, a decorated American soldier who served in World War II, passed away in 2008 at the age of 86. His death marked the end of an era for his family, friends, and community, and it also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the war.

• The passage of time: Combs' death came more than six decades after the end of World War II, but his memory and the legacy of his service continue to live on.
• The impact of war: Combs' death is a reminder of the human cost of war. He was one of millions of Americans who served in World War II, and his death is a reminder of the sacrifices that they made.
• The importance of remembrance: Combs' death is a reminder of the importance of remembering those who have served their country. He was a brave and dedicated soldier, and his memory should be honored.

Combs' death is a reminder of the passage of time, the impact of war, and the importance of remembrance. He was a true American hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Branch of service

Melvin Earl Combs served in the United States Army during World War II. His decision to join the Army was likely influenced by a number of factors, including his patriotism, his family's military tradition, and the economic opportunities that the Army offered. Combs' service in the Army had a profound impact on his life. He fought in some of the most important battles of the war, and he was awarded several medals for his bravery and dedication.

Combs' experience in the Army is a reminder of the importance of military service to the United States. The Army provides a unique opportunity for young people to serve their country and to learn valuable skills. Combs' service is also a reminder of the sacrifices that our soldiers make to protect our freedom.

We are grateful for the service of Melvin Earl Combs and all of our veterans. Their bravery and dedication have helped to keep our country safe and free.

Rank

Melvin Earl Combs served as a Private First Class (PFC) in the United States Army during World War II. This rank is the lowest enlisted rank in the Army, and it is typically held by soldiers who have recently completed basic training. PFCs are responsible for a variety of tasks, including following orders, maintaining equipment, and providing security.

Combs' rank of PFC is significant because it reflects his status as a new soldier. He had not yet been promoted to a higher rank, and he was still learning the ropes of military life. However, his rank also reflects his potential. PFCs are often given the opportunity to prove themselves in combat, and many go on to earn promotions and decorations.

Combs' experience as a PFC is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and dedication. He started out as a new soldier, but he quickly rose through the ranks and became a decorated war hero. His story is an inspiration to all who serve in the military, regardless of their rank.

Awards

Melvin Earl Combs was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and French Croix de Guerre for his actions during World War II. These awards are a testament to his bravery and dedication to his country.

• Silver Star
  

  The Silver Star is the third-highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Combs was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Battle of Normandy.

• Bronze Star
  

  The Bronze Star is the fourth-highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone. Combs was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge.

• Purple Heart
  

  The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in action. Combs was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds during the Battle of the Bulge.

• French Croix de Guerre
  

  The French Croix de Guerre is a military decoration awarded by the Government of France to members of the armed forces of allied countries who have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism during combat operations.

Combs' awards are a reflection of his bravery and dedication to his country. He was a true American hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Battles

Melvin Earl Combs fought in two of the most important battles of World War II: the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. These battles were turning points in the war, and Combs' participation in them is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his country.

The Battle of Normandy, also known as D-Day, was the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in June 1944. It was the largest seaborne invasion in history, and it played a major role in the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany. Combs was part of the 101st Airborne Division, which parachuted into Normandy on D-Day. He fought in the hedgerows of Normandy for several weeks, and he was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the battle.

The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive on the Western Front during World War II. It began in December 1944, and it was fought in the Ardennes region of Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. Combs was part of the 101st Airborne Division, which was sent to the Ardennes to help stop the German advance. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge for several weeks, and he was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during the battle.

Combs' participation in the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his country. He was a true American hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Occupation after the war

After World War II, Melvin Earl Combs returned to his home state of Kentucky and worked as a farmer. This occupation was a natural fit for Combs, who had grown up on a farm and was familiar with the hard work and dedication required to be a successful farmer.

• Return to normalcy: After the war, Combs likely desired a return to a more peaceful and. Farming provided him with the opportunity to do just that, as it allowed him to work outdoors and be close to nature.
• Economic opportunity: Farming was a viable economic opportunity for Combs. Kentucky was a rural state, and there was a strong demand for agricultural products. Combs was able to use his skills and knowledge to earn a good living for himself and his family.
• Community involvement: Farming also allowed Combs to be involved in his community. He was a member of the local farm bureau and was active in his church. He was also a respected member of the community, and his neighbors often sought his advice on farming matters.
• Legacy: Combs' legacy as a farmer lives on today. His farm is still in operation, and it is a reminder of his hard work and dedication. Combs' story is an inspiration to all who work in the agricultural industry, and it is a reminder of the importance of farming to our communities and our nation.

Combs' decision to become a farmer after the war was a wise one. It allowed him to return to a life of normalcy, to earn a good living, to be involved in his community, and to leave a lasting legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Melvin Earl Combs

This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Melvin Earl Combs, an American soldier who served in World War II.

Question 1: When and where was Melvin Earl Combs born?

Answer: Melvin Earl Combs was born in Martin County, Kentucky, in 1921.

Question 2: What branch of the military did Melvin Earl Combs serve in?

Answer: Melvin Earl Combs served in the United States Army.

Question 3: What rank did Melvin Earl Combs achieve?

Answer: Melvin Earl Combs achieved the rank of Private First Class.

Question 4: What battles did Melvin Earl Combs fight in?

Answer: Melvin Earl Combs fought in the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

Question 5: What awards did Melvin Earl Combs receive?

Answer: Melvin Earl Combs received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and French Croix de Guerre.

Question 6: What did Melvin Earl Combs do after the war?

Answer: Melvin Earl Combs returned to Kentucky and worked as a farmer.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Melvin Earl Combs. For more information, please consult a reliable source such as a biography or historical account.

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Conclusion

Melvin Earl Combs was a decorated American soldier who served in the United States Army during World War II. He fought in some of the most important battles of the war, and he was awarded several medals for his bravery and dedication. After the war, Combs returned to Kentucky and worked as a farmer. He was a respected member of his community and a loving husband and father.

Combs' story is a reminder of the sacrifices that our soldiers make to protect our freedom. He was a true American hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.