"He was serving as a rifle platoon leader when his company began an
assault on a wooded ridge northeast of the village of Neiderzerf,
Germany, early on 13 March 1945. A short distance up the side of the
hill, 2d Lt. Michael, at the head of his platoon, heard the click of an
enemy machine gun bolt.
Quietly halting the company, he silently moved off into the woods and
discovered 2 enemy machine guns and crews. Executing a sudden charge, he
completely surprised the enemy and captured the guns and crews. At
daybreak, enemy voices were heard in the thick woods ahead. Leading his
platoon in a flanking movement, they charged the enemy with hand
grenades and, after a bitter fight, captured 25 members of an SS mountain division, 3 artillery
pieces, and 20 horses. While his company was establishing its position,
2d Lt. Michael made 2 personal reconnaissance missions of the wood on
his left flank. On his first mission he killed 2, wounded 4, and
captured 6 enemy soldiers single-handedly. On the second mission he
captured 7 prisoners. During the afternoon he led his platoon on a
frontal assault of a line of enemy pillboxes,
successfully capturing the objective, killing 10 and capturing 30
prisoners. The following morning the company was subjected to sniper
fire and 2d Lt. Michael, in an attempt to find the hidden sniper, was
shot and killed. The inspiring leadership and heroic aggressiveness
displayed by 2d Lt. Michael upheld the highest traditions of the
military service."
From 2nd Lt. Michael's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on February 13, 1946.
A true ass kicker!!!
Brian & Mel
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