Michael T. Rich
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Michael T. Rich served during World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army in the 309th Infantry.
He entered service on January 13, 1942. Mr. Rich trained in Camp Wallace, Texas, and with the 604th Coast Artillery in Bayonne, New Jersey, from which he departed for Germany in mid-February 1945. He and his four brothers—Albert, Nicholas, Patrick, and Tony Rich—all served during the war.
Mr. Rich was part of the 309 Infantry’s battles to capture Keternich and secure Schwammenauel Dam, which lay close to a main German supply route guarded by elements of four German divisions. On March 15, 1945, a bullet tore through his left lung and exited through his shoulder. He was hospitalized in England until May 5, 1945, at which time he was evacuated to the United States.
Mr. Rich was a Rifleman 745. His rank was Technician 5th Grade.
He separated from active duty on November 4, 1945.
He was wounded in Germany.
He was born on March 21, 1915, in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Nick, Sr., and Dora Rich. He graduated from Denfeld High School.
Before serving in the Army, he was a switchman on the railroad and a longshoreman.
Source: Family member
