After graduating from high school in Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, SD in 1964, Keith Marshall went on to earn a teaching degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. He had great love of family and country and chose to join the Army as an Airborne Combat Medic. He was sent to Vietnam in 1967 with the Screaming Eagles, the 101st Airborne Assault Division. He received his first bronze star five months later. In February 1968 he was severely wounded but refused medevac as he was the sole surviving unit medic. He received his second bronze star while serving with the 173rd Airborne. The day before Marshall was to return home from Vietnam he valiantly fought through a long firefight and was awarded the Silver Star due to his selfless actions during battle.