Robert S. Marx: A Voice for Disabled Veterans
Robert S. Marx grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he developed a sharp mind for the law. Born on January 28, 1889, he studied at the University of Cincinnati and earned his law degree in 1909. Soon after graduating, he opened a legal practice in his hometown. Friends and neighbors knew him as a skilled debater and a hardworking attorney who cared deeply about public service. However, events across the Atlantic Ocean soon interrupted his legal career.
In 1917, the United States entered World War I. Marx left his law office behind to join the United States Army. He trained as an officer and rose to the rank of captain in the 357th Infantry Regiment, part of the 90th Division. Shipped overseas to Europe, Marx led soldiers under difficult wartime conditions and earned the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action. On November 10, 1918—just one day before the fighting officially stopped—he was severely wounded by an artillery shell during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France.
- attorney:
- A lawyer who is trained and licensed to represent people in legal matters.
- heroism:
- Great bravery and courage shown during a dangerous situation.
- artillery:
- Large, heavy military weapons used to fire explosive shells across long distances.
- veterans:
- People who have served in the armed forces, especially during a war.
- agencies:
- Government departments or organizations that provide specific services.
- resumed:
- Started doing something again after stopping for a period of time.
- delegates:
- People chosen to represent and vote for a group at a large meeting or convention.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the main idea of this biography, and which two details from the text best support it?
- 2How did Robert S. Marx's experiences during and immediately after World War I change the direction of his life?
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About this biography passage for Upper Elementary
“Robert S. Marx: A Voice for Disabled Veterans” is a biography reading passage about Biography of Judge Robert S. Marx and the founding of DAV, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (540 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.