Marvin W. Hughes of Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky, enlisted in Company I of the Kentucky National Guard's 149th Infantry in October 1936. He was promoted to Private First Class in January 1939 and to Corporal by December 1940. He listed his civilian occupation as farmer.

Hughes was inducted into federal service with his unit in January 1941. While on active duty he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He was killed in action on 12 December 1944 in France and is buried in Mapleview Cemetery in Marion, Kentucky.