‘Band Of Brothers’ WWII Veteran Donald Malarkey Dies At Age 96

World War II veteran Donald Malarkey, a Bronze Star and Légion d’Honneur recipient, died recently at 96 years old. He passed away in Salem, Oregon on September 30 due to age-related causes. As a member of Easy Company in the U.S. Army, Malarkey parachuted into hostile territory to destroy enemy artillery. Alongside his comrades, the war hero also served as inspiration for HBO’s miniseries Band of Brothers. He now joins fellow Easy Company veteran William “Wild Bill” Guarnere, who died in 2014.

Behind Enemy Lines

Born in Oregon in 1921, Malarkey joined the U.S. Army in 1942 as a paratrooper in the Second World War. After acquiring his jump certification, he became a member of E Company (Easy Company) in the 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. Easy Company soon earned fame for their bravery in some of the deadliest battles in Europe. In Normandy, Malarkey parachuted into hostile territory to destroy Nazi artillery on D-day. He later earned the Bronze Star for his actions. A few months later in December, he also helped fight off the German advance at the Battle of the Bulge.

In 2009, the French government presented Malarkey with their highest honor: the Légion d’Honneur. The war veteran also earned a Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal, among others.

Band of Brothers

In later years, Malarkey and the other members of Easy Company traveled across Europe, recounting their experiences in the WWII. In 1987, they met the historian Stephen Ambrose, who later compiled their recollections into the book “Band of Brothers.” This book later served as inspiration for the 2001 miniseries executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Actor Scott Grimes portrayed Malarkey in “Band of Brothers.”