30
FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Marvin D. Cornett was 23 years old when he parachuted into Italy during World War II and was wounded in combat. At 99 years old, he officially received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for his injuries and actions on New Year's Eve in 1944.
The 82nd Airborne Division veteran received a proper military awards ceremony in Auburn, Calif. on Feb. 22 with the help of his family, friends, veterans and Paratroopers.
Cornett was assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Abn. Div. when he made the combat jump into Salerno, Italy. It was during combat operations along the Mussolini Canal at the Anzio beachhead that he was wounded in action by a German mortar round that exploded near him.