WW2 Veteran Dagger - Max Sims Lale

Description

WW2 Veteran Dagger belonging to Max Sims Lale, a former Marshall, Texas, city commissioner and chamber of commerce president, as well as a decorated combat veteran of World War II and author of several books relating to local history, died Saturday, April 22, at his home in Fort Worth, Texas.
After working two years for a weekly newspaper in Sapulpa, he volunteered for active duty in the Army in August 1940 and served until March 1946, rising to the grade of lieutenant colonel during four campaigns in Europe.
His decorations included the American Bronze Star, the French Croix de Guerre and a unit citation in the general orders of the Belgian Army.
After World War II he commanded the 647th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in the 49th Armored Division, Texas National Guard, and continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve.
It was a matter of great pride to him that he had volunteered for active duty even before the first draft act in 1940 and almost 16 months before Pearl Harbor. He proudly wore miniatures of his decorations and service medals on formal evening wear in his late years.