Marvin Rediker

Birthplace: Lincoln, KS

Branch of Service: Army

Unit: 65th Engineer combat Battalion, Part of 25th Division called the "lightening" Division

Theater of Operation: Pacific

Enlisted / Commissioned: Sep 15, 1947

Highest Rank: Private First Class

Honored By: The Eisenhower Foundation

Marvin Rediker was born at home near Lincoln, Kansas, and attended country school registered to Westfall, Kansas. He started high school in Lincoln, Kansas, until his mother became very ill. At that time, Marvin stayed home to help take care of the farm and his siblings.

He was drafted, but the Army said he was too young to go and sent him home. A few months later, they called him back in, and he began basic training. Marvin served in the Pacific theater in Japan and witnessed first hand the devastation of the atomic bombs. Marvin had been issued a Corporal uniform being promoted to Corporal 2-5, but the paperwork did not catch up with him until after his discharge.