Patrick W. Michelizzi (Patsy)

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Army

Patrick W. Michelizzi (Patsy) entered the Army on July 23, 1942, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Home at entry: Duluth, Minnesota.

He served as a Technician 5th Grade and messenger / driver with the 144th Armored Signal Corps, 4th Armored Division in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe.

On August 18, 1944, near Soupes, France, drove his unarmored Jeep through 100 miles of enemy infested territory, often under fire, to deliver important papers to the forward echelon. For bravery, was awarded the Bronze Star. Took part in relieving the besieged troops at the Battle of Bastogne. In April 1945, took part in liberating a concentration camp near Gotha, Germany.

Mr. Michelizzi was awarded the following: Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Drivers Medal, and three overseas service bars.

He was honorably discharged on October 27, 1945, at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Source:  Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project,  page 361.

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